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Are care recipients eligible for the 2024-25 Winter Fuel Payment?

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, this year’s Winter Fuel Payment scheme has become a hot topic for reporters and politicians – but what does this mean for care home residents, or individuals who receive care in their own homes?

Whilst the parameters set by Government have recently changed, the good news is that receiving care does not automatically exclude you from receiving the Winter Fuel Payment, provided that you meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria.

Who qualifies for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment?

If you live in England or Wales, were born before 23 September 1958, and are in receipt of one of the following benefits, you may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment:

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

You will need to have received a benefit during the week of 16th-22nd September 2024, which is referred to as the ‘qualifying week’ for the Winter Fuel Payment.

Does receiving home care affect eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment?

The government criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment does not distinguish between individuals who receive care in their own home, and those who do not.

Regardless of whether you receive home care, if you meet the current qualifying criteria, you should receive the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024-25.

If your household is eligible, you can expect to receive a letter in October or November confirming how much you will receive. This will generally be a one-off payment of either £200 or £300 before the end of 2024, depending upon your circumstances.

Please visit the Government website for the latest eligibility criteria and payment arrangement information.

Are care home residents entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment?

Care home residents are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, provided that they meet the overarching criteria for the scheme, and have lived in a care home for less than 13 weeks including the ‘qualifying week’ of 16th – 22nd September 2024.

Care home residents will not be eligible for the 2024-25 Winter Fuel Payment if they were living in a care home from 24th June – 22nd September 2024 inclusive.

Eligible care home residents will qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment of either:

  • £200 if they were born between 23rd September 1944 – 22nd September 1958;
    Or
  • £300 if their date of birth is before 23rd September 1944.

As with all others eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, qualifying care home residents will be contacted by the Government to advise the value due to them, and when to expect the payment to be made.

If you’re not sure if you or a loved one qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you can find out by using the contact information available on the Government website.

Is there any other financial support available for care recipients?

Even if you do not qualify for the 2024-25 Winter Fuel Payment, you may still be eligible for financial assistance with the cost of your care.

Please visit our Advice and FAQs pages, for more information about available funding schemes and how to apply.

Questions about care?

If you have any questions about care options for yourself or a loved one, please call 0800 8174 990 or fill out our contact form, and our friendly and knowledgeable enquiries team will be happy to help.

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