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  "path": "/money/state-pension-check-eligibility-winter-fuel-payment",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-24T09:03:19.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "before the March 31, 2026 cut-off date",
    "Net Zero costs could exceed £9trillion as critics fume: 'It was sold to Britain on fantasy numbers!'",
    "Scottish economy dealt £11billion blow during energy crisis as homes bore £2,260 in excess bills",
    "150,000 households urged to 'switch' electricity meters now or risk higher energy bills",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nState pensioners are being reminded of an upcoming deadline for energy bill support, as households have only weeks left to claim the annual Winter Fuel Payment.\n\nOlder households across the country are being encouraged to verify their eligibility for the up to £300 in energy bill assistance before the March 31, 2026 cut-off date arrives.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nGordon Wallis, a consumer expert for Your NRG, highlighted that numerous pensioners remain unaware of the support on offer despite the ongoing period of very cold weather.\n\nHe shared: \"Every pound matters, particularly during the winter months when heating costs can rise sharply. We're encouraging pensioners and their families to double-check that payments have been received and that no support is being left unclaimed.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Winter Fuel Payment, referred to as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland, offers eligible older residents up to £300 towards their heating expenses.\n\nFor the majority of qualifying pensioners, this sum arrives automatically without any action required. However, certain individuals must apply before the deadline passes.\n\nThose who need to make a claim can do so either by completing a Winter Fuel Payment claim form and sending it by post, or by telephoning the Winter Fuel Payment Centre directly.\n\nFamilies are being urged to assist elderly relatives in checking whether payments have been received and submitting any outstanding applications promptly.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Net Zero costs could exceed £9trillion as critics fume: 'It was sold to Britain on fantasy numbers!'\n  * Scottish economy dealt £11billion blow during energy crisis as homes bore £2,260 in excess bills\n  * 150,000 households urged to 'switch' electricity meters now or risk higher energy bills\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPensioners whose taxable income exceeds £35,000 should be aware that the Government will recover the payment through the tax system during the 2026/27 financial year.\n\nMr Wallis emphasised the importance of households staying informed about how the scheme operates to ensure they are not disappointed down the line.\n\nHe added: \"It's important for households to understand how the scheme works, particularly if their circumstances have changed. A quick check now could prevent unnecessary financial pressure later.\"\n\nBeyond the Winter Fuel Payment, several other schemes exist to help with energy costs during colder months, including Cold Weather Payments.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Warm Home Discount has been extended this winter, providing approximately six million households with a £150 reduction on their energy bills. This discount applies automatically for most recipients claiming certain means-tested benefits, including those on Pension Credit.\n\nUnder the Cold Weather Payment, a £25 weekly sum is delivered whenever temperatures average zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days, running from November 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.\n\nMr Wallis said: “We regularly speak to customers who are worried about heating costs, but there are several schemes designed to ease that burden. Taking the time to check eligibility for each one could make a meaningful difference over the colder months.”\n\nFamilies across the UKe are encouraged to support older relatives in reviewing their entitlements and ensuring any necessary claims are submitted before the deadline.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "State pensioners pushed to 'check eligibility' for £300 boost as Winter Fuel Payment deadline weeks away"
}