State pensioners born in these years benefit from instant £100 Winter Fuel Payment increase

It's widely known that state pensioners who no longer claim a qualifying benefit will lose their £300 Winter Fuel Payment this winter, following the government's decision to make the payment means-tested rather than universal. However, many are unaware that even if they qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, the exact amount received will vary based on their birth year and potentially other circumstances.

Previously, the Winter Fuel Payment was automatically given to all state pensioners, but from this winter, you must be claiming a qualifying benefit like Pension Credit due to changes in government rules. Those of state pension age but under 80, born on or before September 22, 1958, and qualify will receive a £200 payment, while those over 80 - born September 23, 1944 or earlier - will get £300.

The amount is determined by your birth date and circumstances between 16 and 22 September 2024, known as the 'qualifying week'. If you missed it, Pension Credit claims can be backdated until December, so it's still available now.

This means that if you're now over 80 and qualify, your Winter Fuel Payment will increase from £200 to £300. Most qualifying individuals will receive a letter detailing how much they'll get and into which bank account it will be paid - typically the same as your Pension Credit or other benefits.

Age UK has issued guidance on the Winter Fuel Payment, stating: "If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically.", reports the Express.

They added, "If you've never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you claim Universal Credit, you might need to make a claim. And if you receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, you must make a claim."

The charity also advised, "You should receive your payment between mid-November and Christmas. Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if you have any enquiries or you don't receive your payment."