State pensioners can STILL get £300 Winter Fuel Payment but have one month to act

State pensioners can STILL get a £200 or £300 Winter Fuel Payment but they must act within the next calendar month. Under the Labour Party government, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) eligibility for the Winter Fuel Allowance has changed.

To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you needed to have been eligible during the ‘qualifying week’ of September 16 to 22, 2024. But Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, so you still have until December 21 to claim Pension Credit, the gateway for the £300 payouts.

The government says: “You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by 3 months. This means you can get up to 3 months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time."

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You can claim Pension Credit if you’re of State Pension age and on a low income. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales to qualify. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and savings, a private pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving it.

When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, or have housing costs.

The government added: “You must apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 to qualify for a 2024 to 2025 Winter Fuel Payment (or Winter Heating Payment, if you live in Scotland).” You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age or any time after you reach State Pension age, but your application can only be backdated by three months.

This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.