DWP sending letters as some people will receive up to £300

As Winter Fuel Payment eligibility has now significantly changed, around 1.5m people over State Pension age will receive a boost of up to £300 this winter to help with higher heating bills, compared with many more in previous years. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send letters to all pensioners by the end of this month explaining the policy change and how much they can expect to receive - if they are entitled to the lump sum.

Pensioners who receive a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (an annual award of at least £26) or Universal Credit (mixed couples only), during any day of the qualifying week (September 16-22), will receive a Winter Fuel Payment. Eligible pensioners aged between 66 and 79 will automatically receive a payment of £200 into their bank account, while those over 80 will receive £300.

People over 80 living in a care home will receive £150, those aged between 66 and 79 will receive £100. The policy change will result in around 10m pensioners missing out on payments this winter, reports the Daily Record.

Those born before September 23, 1958 and receiving a qualifying income-related benefit such as Pension Credit during the week of September 16-22, 2024 will automatically receive a tax-free payment that won't affect other benefits. According to DWP guidance on GOV.UK, letters will be sent to eligible pensioner households in mid-October detailing the amount of Winter Fuel Payment they will receive. Most eligible individuals will receive their payments in November or December, paid into the bank account where their State Pension or benefits are usually deposited.

The new guidance also advises that if you do not receive a letter or the money has not been deposited into your