Winter Fuel Bills

Over 60s should claim for winter fuel payments help

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, you can make a claim if you had reached the qualifying age by 29th September 2009.

The over 60s can claim a lump sum up to £250 tax-free, while the over 80s get up to £400 (increased from £200 and £350, respectively, last year).

Payments can take a few months to arrive so the earlier you apply the better.

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 will be made automatically in November or December.

Anyone else will need download a claim form and return it to the Pensions Service, or ring 08459 15 15 15 (full details on the Pension Service site). Claims must be made by 30 March 2010 for winter 09/10 payments.

Backdated payments

While you can't claim backdated payments from 2001-onwards, you can claim for winters between 1997 and 2000 inclusive.

Exclusions

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 are living in a care home.