The criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment have changed over the last year. The payment has now been restored to all people over state pension age with an income of £35,000 per year or less.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 if you were born on or before 21st September 1959 and live in England and Wales.
Unlike previous years, you do not need to be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits to be eligible. The key change is that if your individual taxable income is more than £35,000, you will have the payment recovered by HMRC.
Taxable income includes things like your State Pension, private pension, and earnings from work, but generally doesn’t include any benefits like Housing Benefit.
How much will I get?
The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300, to help you with your heating bills over the winter months. The exact amount depends on your age and living situation.
If you’re eligible you will receive a letter in October or November to let you know how much you’ll get. Most payments will be made automatically in November or December.
We’re here to help!
If you’d like some help to check your benefits or to understand your finances, contact our Tenancy Sustainment Team at tenancysustainment@coastlinehousing.co.uk or call 01209 200200.
Pension Credit
With the ongoing challenges of the cost of living, it’s more important than ever that households check their eligibility for Pension Credit. It’s estimated that around £1.6 billion of Pension Credit is left unclaimed each year!
If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit can give you extra money to help with your living costs.
Am I eligible?
Pension Credit is made up of two parts, Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You could be eligible if:
- You’ve reached State Pension age
- Your weekly income is less than £227.10 if you’re single, or £346.60 if you’re a couple
- Your income is higher than the above but you have a disability, are a carer, have certain housing costs, or are responsible for a child
How much will I get?
Pension credit will top up your weekly income to a minimum of £227.10 if you’re single or £346.60 for a couple. You could get more than this if you have a disability, care for someone, have certain housing costs, or are responsible for a child.
The average Pension Credit claim is estimated to be worth £3,900 a year but it also unlocks access to other financial support, including: the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax reduction, Housing Benefit, help with NHS costs, free TV licence, a Cold Weather Payment or the Warm Home Discount.
How do I claim?
You can make a claim online for Pension Credit by visiting the gov.uk website.
You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they will complete the application with you over the phone.
You and your partner, if you have one, will need to make sure you have ready your National Insurance Number, details of any income and pensions, and details of any other money or savings.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a government program that provides a one-off payment to help with the costs of energy over the winter months.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility is based on the benefits that you’re in receipt of on the qualifying date each year. This year the qualifying date is 24th August 2025. You must also be named on the electricity bill for the property and your energy provider takes part in the scheme.
You will normally qualify automatically if you receive the Guarantee Element of Pension Credit or one of the means-tested benefits below and your property is assessed as having high energy costs.
- Pension Credit (Guarantee Element)
- Universal Credit
- Income-related ESA
- Income-based JSA
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
If you need to discuss your eligibility or property details, you can contact the Warm Home Discount Helpline on 0800 030 9322.
How much will I get?
The Warm Home Discount is £150 and is applied directly to your electricity bill between October 2025 and March 2026. The money will not be paid to a nominated bank account.
If you have a pre-payment meter, you will normally receive a top-up voucher. You should get a letter between October and December 2025 that confirms your eligibility.