With the ongoing cost of living crisis, households are paying more for energy bills in winter 2023 than the previous year, despite the energy price cap expected to fall this month. The average annual energy bill is estimated at £1,923 this year- £134 higher than the average bill last year.

According to GOV.UK, around 12.4 million people in the UK are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this winter.

Sustainable energy experts at L&R Renewables answer frequently asked questions, and share their insight on the government payment:

“With the cold months approaching, the Government has promised annual heating help for eligible pensioners from November. Around 12.4 million people in the UK could receive a one-off payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help keep winter heating bills down. The payments can provide a much-needed boost for people as the time comes to crank up the heating.

Applications for the DWP cost of living support are open, but many may not be aware that they are eligible to receive the help.

People who are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment will also receive an extra £150 or £300 this winter to help with essential costs. This means eligible households could receive between £250 and £600 to offset higher heating costs.

Last year, elderly people in the East of England received around 1.1 million payments, while more than 1.6 million were paid in the South East – the most in the UK.”

 

Who is eligible?

“The DWP will send letters to eligible households from this month letting them know exactly how much money to expect. The amount someone receives depends on their age, household circumstances and the benefits they receive.

Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically into the bank accounts of eligible people over State Pension age, so most people will not need to apply for it.

You will need to claim if you’ve never received the Winter Fuel Payment before, you live abroad, or you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment

To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born before September 25, 1957 and lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 18 to 24 September 2023 – known as the ‘qualifying week’.

The deadline to make a claim for this winter is March 31, 2024.”

 

Who does not need to make a claim?

“You do not need to claim if you receive any of the following:

• State Pension
• Pension Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carers Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Awards from the War Pensions Scheme
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit
• Industrial Death Benefit

You will not be eligible if you have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year, need permission to enter the UK and can’t claim public funds, or you were in prison during the qualifying week”.

 

How can I make a claim?

“You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by post or over the phone – all details can be found on the GOV.UK website.”

 

How much will I be paid?

“If you live alone, or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive:

• £500 if you were born between September 25, 1943, and September 24, 1957
• £600 if you were born before September 25, 1943

Your payment might differ if you get one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support

If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will get a payment of either:

• £500 if both of you were born between September 25, 1943 and September 24, 1957
• £600 if one or both of you were born before September 25, 1943

These costs include the additional payment of either £150 or £300 this winter to help with essential costs.

There have been reports of cuts to the Winter Fuel Payments scheme in order to allow Rishi Sunak to keep his pledge over the pension triple lock.  However, the Government has since confirmed that cuts to the scheme will not be taking place.”

 

When will I be paid?

“Most payments will be made between November and December. If you do not get a letter or receive the payment by January 26, 2024, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”

 

Tips to Help You Reduce Your Energy Bill This Winter:

• “Consider solar panels: Solar panels generate electricity from the sun, which can help to reduce your reliance on the grid and save you money on your energy bills. Despite the fewer hours of sunlight in winter, solar panels are more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity in colder temperatures.
• Turn down your heating by 1 degree Celsius: You might not even notice the difference in temperature, but it can save you around £100 per year on your energy bill.
• Use energy-efficient light bulbs. LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 25 times longer.
• Insulate your home properly. This can help to keep the heat in and reduce your heating costs. You can insulate your attic, walls, and floors. You can also seal any air leaks around your windows and doors.
• Take shorter showers. This can save you a significant amount of water and energy. Showers account for a large portion of household water use, so reducing your shower time to 5-10 minutes can make a big difference.
• Wash your clothes at a lower temperature. Most clothes can be washed at 30 degrees Celsius or less, which will save you energy. Washing your clothes at higher temperatures uses more energy and can also damage your clothes over time.”