DWP says complete 16-minute task for free £300 handout in December

The Department for Work and Pensions says completing a 16 minute task will hand people who claim benefits a free £300 this winter. The DWP has urged people to complete a Pension Credit application, which takes around 16 minutes to complete.

The DWP says spending time applying means you could be entitled to a £300 Winter Fuel Payment from the new Labour Party government after an eligibility shake up. It only takes 16 minutes on average to apply, and anyone who makes a successful claim for Pension Credit before 21 December will receive both backdated Pension Credit and a Winter Fuel Payment.

Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds MP said: "We’re pleased to see more pensioners are now receiving Pension Credit and our staff are processing claims as quickly as possible. With the 21 December approaching, my message is clear: check if you are eligible for Pension Credit and if you are then apply, as it unlocks a range of benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment."

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Money Saving Expery explains: "Even if you find out you're only entitled to a small amount of Pension Credit, it's still worth claiming as it means you can qualify for other benefits." The MSE team explain from winter 2024/25 if you're over state pension age and claim a means-tested benefit (such as Pension Credit – either Guarantee or Savings Credit) you'll be eligible for an annual grant to help towards the cost of energy bills.

The Winter Fuel Payment is usually between £200 and £300 and is paid automatically to those eligible. The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free Government grant given every year to eligible pensioner households to help pay for heating costs over the winter months. It's available to over a million households in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The scheme had previously given up to £300 each winter to ALL households with someone at state pension age. However, in July, the Government announced that from this winter, it will be restricted to those on Pension Credit or certain other benefits.