You could get between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills if you were born on or before 5 January 1953. This is known as the ‘Winter Fuel Payment’ and is a statutory benefit. Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You should get your money by Christmas.
You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (if you receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit you will need to make a claim). How much you get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2015 to 2016 is 21 to 27 September 2015. Any money you get is tax-free and won’t affect your other benefits.
If you qualify but don’t get paid automatically you need to make a claim.
You may be eligible for UNISON’s Winter Fuel Grant. To apply you’ll need to complete an application form by 23 February 2016.