The winter fuel allowance is paid by the government to help people in old age. It is a tax-free state pension with certain benefits, like heating and fuel bills during the winter. Earlier, it was usually for all retired pensioners; however, from 2024/25 onwards, the eligibility criteria has been changed  by the UK government to specific groups on benefits.

As winter starts to approach, many households in the UK start to think about how they will manage the heating costs. One option available to the eligible individuals in the UK is the Winter Fuel Allowance by their government.

But what if you’re a married couple? Can husband and wife get winter fuel allowance? What will be the criteria to get those benefits, and how can I claim the allowance? And what is the eligibility for winter allowance. Let’s dive deep into the details.

What does Winter Fuel Allowance mean?

The Winter Fuel Allowance is a yearly benefit, a type of financial aid designed by the state government of the UK to help older individuals with their heating  and fuel bills during the winter season. Typically, it’s intended only to those aged 66 and over who may be at risk, providing a one-time payment to help balance energy costs like fuel and heating bills.

The amount can differ according to age, the person’s circumstances, and whether the beneficiary lives alone or as a couple and this is  separate from other support programs.

How much is the Winter Fuel Allowance?

You’ll receive a letter from the government between October or November telling you about how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get if you’re eligible for the allowance. However  If you do not receive a letter but think you are qualified for the allowance, you can claim by post or by phone.

The amount you will get is totally based on your birth date and your financial circumstances between 16 september and 22 September 2024. This is known as the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you will get is completely tax-free and will not affect your other benefits and this will be directly paid in the recipient’s bank account like other benefits usually get paid.

If you live alone:

You will get either:

• In case you take birth between September 23 1944 and September 22 1958 then you will get £200
• In case you take birth before September 23, 1944 then you will get £300

If you live with someone:

If you and your couple you can jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get a payment of either:

• In case both of you take birth between September 23 1944 and September 22 1958 then you will get £200
• In case one or both of you take birth before September 23, 1944 then you will get £300

You’ll be paid into the bank account where your benefits are usually paid.

If you live in a care home:

If you’re eligible, you’ll get either:

• In case you take birth between September 23 1944 and September 22 1958 then you will get £200
• In case you take birth before September 23, 1944 then you will get £300 

What is the eligibility criteria?

You can only get a Winter Fuel allowance for Winter 2024 to 2025 if you were born before September 23, 1958 (66 years old or older). And you must also live in England or Wales only and also have paid the national insurance contributions for a couple of years and in case you live abroad you must be moved to an eligible country before 1 january 2021.

Then only you will become eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance and get one of the following benefits:

• 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

When will you not be eligible?

You must fulfill the eligibility requirement to receive the winter fuel allowance benefits, but you may have yet to do so if you were involved in certain activities during the qualifying weeks:

• Live in Scotland
• have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
• were in prison for the whole of the week of 16 to September 22, 2024
• We’re living in a care home for the whole time from June 24 to September 22, 2024
• You need permission to enter the UK and are not entitled to claim public funds.

Can Husband and Wife get Winter Fuel Allowance?

Yes, both you and your spouse meet the eligibility criteria. In that case, you can receive your benefits of winter fuel allowance, as civil partners and same-sex married couples can have benefits depending on the fulfilments of the requirements below:

• It would help if you lived in the UK.
• The age of each person should be 66 years old or older.
• You both can apply if you are eligible. 
• If you or they are receiving certain benefits 
• Whether benefits are claimed jointly or not 
• Whether you live in a car home 

How do I claim for Winter Allowance?

You don’t need to apply every year for the allowance if you’re eligible once. The Winter Fuel Allowance is usually paid automatically if you receive certain benefits, like the State Pension.

However, if you haven’t received it before or your circumstances have changed, you may need to submit a claim by call or post.

• Claim by phone: From October 10, 2024, the winter fuel payment centre is available Monday through Friday, 8 A.m. to 6 p.m., on 08007310160. You must have your National Insurance Number, Bank Details, and the date you were married.
• Claim by post: from September 16, 2024, you can claim by post. You can request a claim by downloading the form; once you have filled out the form, you’ll need to send it to:

Winter Fuel Payment Center 

Mail Handling Site A

Wolverhampton

WV98 1LR

Conclusion

The Winter Fuel Allowance can be a valuable support especially during the winter months, especially for couples where Husband And Wife get winter fuel allowance.

Make sure to check your eligibility and apply if you fulfill the criteria as needed so you can enjoy a warm and comfortable winter without the worry of rising heating costs with your companion.

If you have any further questions about your situation or need assistance with the application process, or eligibility don’t hesitate to contact the appropriate services.

FAQ

Can Husband And Wife Get Winter Fuel Allowance?

Yes, if you and your spouse meet the eligibility criteria, you can receive your winter fuel allowance benefits.

Who is eligible for winter fuel allowance as a UK overseas resident?

If you are not a UK resident. You are only eligible for the Winter Fuel payment if you move to an eligible country before January 1, 2021. You were born before September 23, 1958.

Who gets the winter fuel payment?

The government pays the winter fuel allowance to help people in old age. It is a tax-free state pension with certain benefits, such as paying heating and fuel bills during the winter.

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