what is the winter fuel payment for 2023

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment designed to help households cover their heating costs during the colder months. The qualifying week for winter 2023 to 2024 is 18 to 24 September 2023. The amount of Winter Fuel Payment for 2023/2024 will vary according to personal circumstances, including age and whether other people in the household also qualify. The payment is tax-free and does not affect other benefits. If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, youll get either £500 if you were born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957, or £600 if you were born before 25 September 1943. If you live with someone else whos eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits: Pension Credit, income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Income Support. If you do not get any of these benefits, youll get a payment of either £500 or £600 depending on your age. The amount youll get includes a pensioner cost of living payment first paid in winter 2022 to 2023, which is between £150 and £300. You will get this extra amount again in winter 2023 to 2024. Most eligible people are paid in November or December, and if youve received it before, you should get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically this year. If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 26 January 2024, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.