Brits are being urged to check if they qualify for a cash boost of up to £300 as they can soon apply for this year’s Winter Fuel Payments. Eligible pensioners can claim the top-up to help with the cost of energy this winter as of September 16.

Most people who meet the criteria will automatically receive the money, according to the Government website. But for others you will be able to apply by post from September 16 or over the phone from October 10.

The payment has been around since 1997 to help everyone above state pension age with their winter heating bills.

But the new Government has recently faced criticism as it announced the payments will be restricted to those on benefits and pension credit.

It is believed around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will lose out as a result.

The change will affect this coming winter with payments due in November and December.

Am I eligible?

Before applying for the Winter Fuel Payment you should check if you are eligible under the new rules.

From this year onwards to be eligible you must have reached state pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit.

This means someone born on or before 22 September 1958 (for the 2024/25 payment) who, from 2024 onwards, receives one of the following:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

This applies to people in England and Wales. If you live in Scotland, you might get an annual Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead, the Government says.

How to claim

If you or your partner is eligible the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically.

The Government website states you should get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.

However, if you have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before or you claim Universal Credit, you might need to make a claim.

You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by:

• Post – from 16 September 2024
• Phone – from 10 October 2024.

If you get Universal Credit, you’ll be told how to claim through a message in your journal.

The deadline to make a claim for winter 2024 to 2025 is March 31, 2025.

How much can you get?

If you are over State Pension age and receive a qualifying benefit, you could get £200 towards your bills.

If you are over 80, you could get £300 to help with your bills in winter this year.

Payments are made to the person claiming the benefit and are for the household.

Other schemes to help with winter bills include:

• A Cold Weather Payment – if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven days in a row
• The Warm Home Discount – this is a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household
• Help from the Household Support Fund, if you’re eligible under your local council’s rules – check on your local council’s website.