Winter Fuel Payment and tax

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free and provided by the Government to help older people keep warm during the winter. The amount of the payment depends on individual circumstances but ranges from £100 to £300. The amount you receive depends on a number of factors including your age and the age of other people living with you.

The payment is made to households that include someone born on or before 5 April 1954, and who lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 16 to 22 September 2019, known as the qualifying week.

You will usually receive a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you are eligible, and if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit). If you are eligible but do not get paid automatically then you will need to make a claim.

The deadline for claiming payments for winter season 2019 to 2020 is 31 March 2020. Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You should get your money by 13 January 2020. As noted above, any money you receive is tax-free and will not affect any other benefits you may receive. The payment is not means-tested.

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