Previously known as ‘The Winter Fuel Allowance’, ‘The Winter Fuel Payment’ is a minimum payment of £200 available to anyone over 60, rising to £300 for those over 80. If you live with somebody else over 60, the payment will be shared between you.

In order to calculate exactly how much you can expect to receive, visit the DirectGov website.

Most payments are made between November and December 2011. Over twelve million payments are being made during this time. It’s not possible to know exactly when you will receive your Winter Fuel Payment. You will receive a notification letter and this will give you a more specific estimated payment date.

Due to how payments are made, you could receive your payment at a different time to someone in your household or living near you.

Do not contact the government about when you’ll receive your payment – unless you have not received it by January 2012.

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment on the direct.gov.uk website.