Anyone born on or before the qualifying date (for winter 2017/18 this is 5th August 1953) should receive a Winter Fuel Payment from the Government. The qualifying age for WFP will change in line with ongoing changes in the State Pension Age – https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility
Payment is usually made automatically to those in receipt of State Pension and some other benefits, but some people (those receiving only housing benefit, council tax reduction or child benefit for example) may have to make a claim. People have until 31 March 2018 to claim for winter 2017 to 2018.
How much you get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2017 to 2018 was 18 to 24 September 2017.
| Circumstance | Born between 25 September 1937 and 5 August 1953 | Born on or before 24 September 1937 |
| You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £200 | £300 |
| You qualify and live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £100 | £200 |
| You qualify and live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £100 | £150 |
| You qualify, live in a care home and don’t get certain benefits | £100 | £150 |
Any money you get is tax-free and won’t affect your other benefits.
See https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment for more details, or contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 03459 15 15 15.