Winter fuel payments: How to apply

Updated: 10:58 EST, 25 November 2011

Every household with someone aged 60 or over is entitled to help towards their winter energy costs under the Government's winter fuel payments scheme.

Are you eligible?

You may get a winter fuel payment for winter 20011/12 if you were born on or before 5 January 1951.

You can't get a winter fuel payment if:

• You've been in hospital getting free treatment for 52 weeks.
  
• You are in prison.
• You are subject to immigration control and are not eligible for Government help.
•  You've been living in a care home for at least 12 weeks and get an income related benefit ,eg Pension Credit.

How much should you get?

For 2011/12 the winter fuel payment is between £100 and £300 depending on your situation.

If you are over 60 then you will get £200 and if you’re over 80 then you will get £300.

If you live in a care home, you get a reduced rate of winter fuel payment. In 20010/11, this is £100 or £150 if you are 80 or over.

However, if you live in a care home and get Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you will not get a Winter Fuel Payment at all.

If you live with another qualifying person then you will get £100 if you’re over 60 and £200 if you’re the only person who is over 80 or £150 if at least one other person is aged 80 or over.

How to claim

If you have received the winter fuel payment in previous years, or receive the State Pension, you do not need to do anything, and payments should be made automatically in November or December.

Claims must be made by 30 March for winter payments. Call the winter fuel payment helpline on 0845 9151515 or get a claim form online.

You only need to claim once. After this you should automatically get winter fuel payment each year as long as your circumstances do not change.

For more information on how to claim go to www.direct.gov.uk