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Who is eligible?

You may get a Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) for winter 2008/09 if the following apply:

How much do you get?

This varies according to personal circumstances shown in the table:

Couples both aged 60 or over who qualify and who are receiving Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance will get one payment made to the person receiving that benefit, the other person is not entitled to the payment.

Additional payment for winter 2008/09

These figures include an additional payment for winter 2008/09 of £50 for households with someone aged 60 to 79 and £100 for households with someone aged 80 or over. This will be paid alongside the Winter Fuel Payment.

How it's paid

If you're getting State Pension or another benefit (apart from Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) you will receive your Winter Fuel Payment in the same way that you usually receive your State Pension or benefit.

If you're not getting a State Pension or another benefit (apart from Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) your Winter Fuel Payment will be paid by the method of payment you indicate on your claim form.

Timing of payments

If you claim on or before 19 September 2008 you should get your payment during November or December.

If you apply after this date, you may not get payment until after Christmas.

• The difference between Direct Payment and 'direct payments'

Effect on other benefits

The Winter Fuel Payment won't affect your other benefits and you won't have to pay Income Tax on it.

How to apply

If you're aged 60 or over by 21 September 2008 and getting a State Pension or other benefit (not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax benefit or Child Benefit) there's no need to apply - Winter Fuel Payment should be paid to you automatically.

If you think you qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment but aren't getting a State Pension or benefits (or only receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) - you'll need to claim.

The claim form for winter 2008/09 will be available from July 2008. You can get more information by calling the Winter Fuel Payment helpline 08459 151 515, textphone 0845 601 5613. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.

When to apply

You should claim on or before 19 September 2008 to get your payment by Christmas. All claims for the 2008/9 payment must be received by 30 March 2009.

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.

Applying for past winters

You can download a claim form for past winters from The Pension Service website to print and complete.

• Download Winter Fuel Payment claim form for past winters (PDF document, 92K) Opens new window
• Help with PDF files

What to do if your circumstances change

It's important you tell the office that deals with your payments if:

This will ensure you continue to get the right amount of payments.

What else you need to know

If you're getting Pension Credit or another income-related benefit, you could be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment to help with your heating costs during cold weather in your area.

• Cold Weather Payment

More useful links

• Energy Efficiency grants
• In retirement benefits
• Giving money to your children and grandchildren
• Making a will (rights and responsibilities section)
• Taxpayer or non-taxpayer in retirement?