Archive Website of the UK government

You do not need to claim

If you received a Winter Fuel Payment last year and you still qualify, you should get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically this year. You do not need to claim again.

But, if your situation has changed, you may need to take action. See ‘Winter Fuel Payment – what to do if there’s a change in your situation’ to find out more.

• Winter Fuel Payment - what to do if there's a change in your situation

How much you can get and when you will be paid

The amount of Winter Fuel Payment you can get for winter 2012/13 varies according to your personal situation. Find when you are paid and how much you can get.

• Winter Fuel Payment - how much you can get and when you'll be paid

How you will be paid

You will be paid the same way as when you originally claimed a Winter Fuel Payment or started receiving this automatically. This will be paid into your nominated bank account.

If you received a late payment last year

If there are no changes to your details you should be paid before Christmas this year. You should be paid before Christmas even if, last year, you received a late payment by cheque or into your bank account.

What to do if your situation has changed

Find out what you need to do and who to contact if your situation has changed.

• Winter Fuel Payment - what to do if there's a change in your situation

What to do if you think your payment is incorrect

Payments are usually made to the household. The amount you receive may change if either:

• anyone in your household is newly eligible this year
• someone has moved into or out of your household who is eligible

You can check the payment amounts in ‘Winter Fuel Payment – how much you can get and when you will be paid’.

• Winter Fuel Payment - how much you can get and when you'll be paid

Who to contact

If you’re already receiving a Winter Fuel Payment then you need to contact the office that usually makes your payments.

You can find your contact details on any of your Winter Fuel Payment correspondence.

If you have a general query you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline.

• Winter Fuel Payments Helpline

Making an appeal

If you make an appeal regarding your Winter Fuel Payment use the following form.

• Appeal against a benefit decision (leaflet GL24)

You have not received Winter Fuel Payment before

If you have not received Winter Fuel Payment before, then this page is not for you. Please see the following page instead.

• Winter Fuel Payment - you have not received it before