MILLIONS of households are starting to receive living expenses payments worth up to £600 directly into their bank accounts.
The free cash is separate from the £900 Living Cost Payment for those on Universal Credit and other legacy benefits.
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Pensioners are already starting to receive winter fuel payments worth up to £600 Credit: Getty
Instead, 11.5 million households are entitled to an increased winter fuel payment.
The payment is usually between £100 and £300 for those over State Pension age.
But the payouts have been increased by an extra £300 through a “pensioner’s living expenses” payment.
The money will appear on bank statements with a payment reference starting with the beneficiary’s National Insurance number followed by “DWP WFP” for people in the UK.
If you live in Northern Ireland, your NI number will be followed by “DFC WFP”.
The money is paid in addition to the usual winter fuel payments from November 1.
Most people get paid in November and December, but if you don’t receive it by 26 January 2024 you will need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
You can do this by calling 0800 731 0160.
But to secure the money, some households will have to apply for support with Gov.UK.
The application deadline for winter 2023-2024 is March 31, 2024.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “We have delivered on our promise to halve inflation and will continue to support people across the country, including pensioners who may face particular challenges during the colder months.
“As well as up to £600 to help our pensioners stay warm this winter, we’re increasing pensions through the triple lock – increasing the full rate of the new state pension by more than £900 next year.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Living Cost Allowance.
Who is eligible for an extra £300 this winter?
To qualify for Winter Fuel Payment and Pensioner Living Cost Payment, you must apply the following:
- You were born on or before September 25, 1957
- You lived in the UK for at least one day in the week from 18 to 24 September 2023 – this is called the ‘qualifying week’
If you didn’t live in the UK during the qualifying week, you may still get the payment if both of these conditions apply:
- You live in Switzerland or a country in the European Economic Area (EEA).
- You have a genuine and sufficient connection with the UK – this may include having lived or worked in the UK and having family in the UK
You can’t get paid if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK.
You will not receive payment if you are in the hospital for more than a year for free treatment and under some other circumstances.
To find out more about who’s eligible, visit Gov.UK.
Do I need to apply for payment?
You generally don’t need to claim Winter Fuel Payment – you’ll get it automatically if you’re eligible.
If you have not previously received a winter fuel payment, you should only make a claim if any of the following apply:
- You don’t get benefits or a state pension
- The only benefit you get is Scottish Government Adult Disability Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit
- You live in Switzerland or an EEA country
If you have already had a winter fuel payment, you should only submit a request if, since the last payment, you have:
- Deferred state pension
- Moved to Switzerland or an EEA country
If you need to submit a claim, you can do so by phone or mail.
How much will I get?
We’ve also added a breakdown of the 2023-2024 winter fuel payment rates, which vary depending on your circumstances.
We have stated who will get what according to the Government.
Please note this includes your additional £300 increase.
- You qualify and live alone – £500 to £600
- You qualify with someone you live with who is under 80 and also eligible – £250 to £350
- You are eligible and live with someone over 80 who is also eligible – £250 to £300
- If you or your partner also receive benefits – £500 to £600 (this amount is the same if someone you live with who is not your partner receives certain benefits)
- If you’re eligible but live in a care home and don’t receive benefits – £250 to £300
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Source: HIS Education