You might be eligible if you’re the widow or widower of an ex-employee, if the employee qualified for the scheme.
Quick facts
- Who
- Ex-NCB or British Coal employees
- Widows and widowers
- May qualify
- Fuel
- A delivery every 4 or 5 weeks
- Cash instead
- Paid every 3 months
- Each year
- Certificate of Continued Entitlement
What you get
If you qualify for the allowance, you’ll get a delivery of solid fuel every 4 or 5 weeks, depending on where you live.
You might be able to change to ‘cash in lieu’ (or a cash allowance) if you already get fuel through the scheme and your circumstances have not changed.
The cash allowance is paid every 3 months into your bank or building society account.
Who may be eligible
- an ex-employee of the National Coal Board (NCB) or British Coal Corporation (BCC)
- a widow or widower of an ex-employee who would have been eligible
Contact the National Concessionary Fuel Office (NCFO) to check if you’re eligible. Telephone: 0345 759 0529 or 0370 386 9961.
Keeping it
You will need to return a Certificate of Continued Entitlement each year to keep your allowance.
Your allowance might be affected if your circumstances change, including who owns or rents your property, or your heating arrangements.
Common questions
Who can get free coal from the National Concessionary Fuel Scheme?
Ex-employees of the National Coal Board or British Coal Corporation who qualify, and some widows and widowers.
Can I get cash instead of fuel?
Yes, if you already get fuel through the scheme and your circumstances have not changed. It is paid every 3 months.
How do I check?
Contact the National Concessionary Fuel Office.
Do I need to renew it?
Yes. Return a Certificate of Continued Entitlement each year.