Claiming winter fuel payments

IF you have not previously received the UK’s winter fuel allowance, which can be paid to those living in France, then now is the time to get your claim in.

And if you are making a new application, and the forms are received by September 23, you will get the £200 payment in time for Christmas.

People will not need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if they have received it previously, or are already claiming a State Pension or another social security benefit.

It is also possible to continue receiving the payment in France paid but if you do not receive a UK state pension you will usually need to fill in a claim form for the first year your claim a Winter Fuel Payment outside the UK.

The Pension Service website has an extensive section about claiming when living abroad featuring frequently asked questions and links to claim forms.