There are plans to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales to only those in receipt of Pension Credit. There are similar plans in Northern Ireland and the payment in Scotland is called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
In England and Wales, the Winter Fuel Payment is:
- £300 (for households with someone aged 80 or over), or
- £200 (for households with someone aged 66-79)
The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024 were laid on 22 August 2024 and come into force on 16 September 2024 to effect these restrictions in England and Wales. Basically, the Winter Fuel Payment becomes means-tested and on 01 September 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) started a ‘Pension Credit Week of Action’, highlighting the importance of claiming the Pensions Credit for fear of losing this payment and the entitlement to the Credit itself. They estimate that up to 880,000 eligible pensioners are missing out.
Although not payroll-related, ICB is relaying the information with some links and information that may be helpful:
For Bookkeepers
There are some important dates:
- To claim the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024, pensioners need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day in week 16 to 22 September
- The last date for backdating a claim for Pension Credit to 22 September 2024 is 21 December 2024
