With energy bills remaining stubbornly high, ensure you’re fully informed of the financial assistance available from the government to help keep your heating costs down over the winter – you could be £440 better off.
Knowing how to keep your home warm cost effectively, and being aware of the financial help that’s available can make a huge difference to both your gas and electricity prices and your health.
| Check Your Eligibility See If You Qualify For The UK’s Cheapest Gas And Electricity Deals And Up To £537 Off Heating Bills >
The minimum age to qualify for the 2017 winter fuel payment will change next year.
The date changes every year so you’ll need to check at a later date to find out if you’ll qualify in winter 2017.
Your birth date should be on or before 5th May 1953 to qualify for the 2016 winter fuel payment.
At what age can you qualify for the next winter fuel payment in 2023-24?
Receive a free email alert and monthly newsletter and find out the winter fuel payment age for 2023-24 when it's announced, as well as confirmation of the means-tested threshold for receiving the payment.
There are plenty of ways to ensure you’re keeping your home warm, including insulating your home, hanging thick curtains and making sure your windows aren’t leaking heat. If you’re over 60, these should be accompanied by the schemes provided by the government and energy suppliers to provide older people with the finances to keep the heat on. Unsure of the distinctions between these payments? Read on to find out, and to see if you qualify – whether you’re still earning, have savings or are working with a lower income than previously, these schemes will help you stay warm over the winter.
Currently, there are two major schemes available to help with your energy costs if you’re of a certain age; the Winter Fuel Allowance scheme and the Warm Home Discount. If you compare gas and electricity prices with and without these payments, they can have a significant impact on your income over the winter months leaving more money for Christmas, holidays in spring, or reducing financial pressures in your retirement. Remember, they’re not means-tested, and you can be eligible for one or both, so make sure you’re aware of the criteria and how they relate to you.
Winter Fuel Allowance (Winter Fuel Payment)
The Winter Fuel Payment (also known as the Winter Fuel Allowance) is open to anyone born on or before 5th May 1953; this means you’ll be close to or nearing retirement age, and usually be in receipt of the State Pension. Claiming Winter Fuel Allowance is often automatic, and will be paid before Christmas. This heating allowance is usually between £100-300, is tax free, and is paid directly to you by the government.
Warm Home Discount
The other major fuel allowance is the Warm Home Discount scheme, which in winter 2016-2017 equals to £140 off your electricity bill. This money isn’t paid to you: it’s a one-off discount applied to a bill in the winter months. Unlike the DWP discounts, not everyone over a certain age is eligible: you’ll need to be in receipt of the Guarantee Credit part of your pension. However, if you’re vulnerable or on low income, you may be able to receive this payment even if you’re not strictly eligible otherwise.
Only certain suppliers offer the discount. It may be worthwhile to compare electricity suppliers if you’re not currently provided with this payment; see our guide for more information about switching suppliers. If you’re not sure, check out the Warm Home Discount guide to find out if your supplier offers the discount – most major ones do.
Taking advantage of winter fuel payments is an important way of keeping warm in the colder months, and you should thoroughly research your options. As the Office for National Statistics shows, our energy bills are soaring: with the average yearly energy bill costing over £1,000, you should be utilising any help with energy bills that’s available. The Winter Fuel Allowance, Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments (for unusually freezing temperatures) are a great way of saving on your bills while staying comfortable out of the cold: so check your eligibility, ensure your supplier is part of the scheme, and enjoy a keeping warm over the winter.
| Check Your Eligibility See If You Qualify For The UK’s Cheapest Gas And Electricity Deals And Up To £537 Off Heating Bills >
Apply for a £140 Warm Home Discount >
At what age can you qualify for the next winter fuel payment in 2023-24?
Receive a free email alert and monthly newsletter and find out the winter fuel payment age for 2023-24 when it's announced, as well as confirmation of the means-tested threshold for receiving the payment.