State pensioners could be forced to repay £300 Winter Fuel Payments under DWP rules

Some could find themselves having to pay back their to the Department for Work and Pensions () this year.

The criteria for the DWP payment has changed dramatically, and millions of older Brits will not be getting the support payment - worth between £200 and £300 - this year. In July, the rules changed meaning instead of all Brits over the state pension age getting the Winter Fuel Payment, it is now just older Brits claiming certain benefits such as Pension Credit.

The Winter Fuel Payment will start in November, and the DWP will now send letters to those who are eligible to inform them of how much they could get this year. However, older Britons who still meet this eligibility criteria may be unaware they are still at risk of losing the extra cash. According to the DWP's guidance, the are certain circumstances in which pensioner households will need to pay back the Winter Fuel Allowance to the DWP. These instances include:

• If you do not report a change in circumstance straight away
• Gave the wrong information
• Are overpaid by mistake

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The benefits department says changes in circumstances include stopping receiving benefits, moving house, or moving into a care home. These all affect the amount of Winter Fuel Payment you can get. To avoid having to pay back your Winter Fuel Payment, you should contact the DWP as soon as you can if you experience a change in circumstance or have been accidentally paid.

You can do this by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160. Alternatively, anyone impacted who lives outside the UK can reach the DWP's helpline by calling +44 (0)191 218 7777. The DWP warned that if you receive the benefit either through misinformation or accidentally, you could be prosecuted for benefit fraud or have to pay a penalty if you do not report it.

Under the new rules, you are eligible for this year's Winter Fuel Payment if you are over the state pension age of 66 and claiming one of the following benefits between September 16 and September 22, 2024:

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

It is possible to still be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment even if you weren't claiming one of these benefits during the qualifying week. Pension Credit claims can be backdated by three months, which means you have until December 21 to apply and still be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment.

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