People born in these years to get £200 or £300 payment from DWP

Certain pensioners will soon be receiving a cash boost from the Government to help them cope with winter costs. Those who qualify are being put on alert over the payments which may already be starting to enter bank accounts.

The money is known as the Winter Fuel Payment and will be paid out to low-income pensioners who meet certain criteria. In most cases this means claiming Pension Credit or some other benefits such as Universal Credit.

Those of pension age (born before October 1958) up to 80 will receive £200, while those aged over 80 will get £300. The higher amount is recognition older people are likely to spend more time indoors and need to ensure their homes are heated for longer.

READ MORE: Households told date for £200 cost of living payments

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The Government says the cash should enter bank accounts between mid-November and Christmas. Those who are eligible should have had or will get a letter explaining the process.

In previous years, all pensioners have got the winter boost but that will not be the case this winter. Huge changes mean only the poorest will receive it. But there have been major complaints about the process of deciding who will get the money, with an estimated two million pensioners on low incomes set to miss out.

The Government said: "If you were born before September 23, 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits.

"Most eligible people are paid in November or December."