This winter, millions of older people across the UK will receive an important helping hand to cope with rising heating bills. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that more than nine million people born before 22 September 1959 will soon receive a Winter Fuel Payment worth between £100 and £300, depending on their age and circumstances.
The payment is designed to provide extra support as temperatures drop and energy costs continue to strain household budgets, particularly for those living on fixed or limited incomes. For many pensioners, this payment can mean the difference between staying warm and cutting back on essentials during the cold months.
Why the Payment Exists
Every winter, the UK government provides additional financial help to older residents to ensure they can afford to heat their homes. The scheme known as the Winter Fuel Payment has existed for many years, but its importance has grown due to recent cost-of-living pressures and rising energy prices.
The payment is not a benefit that needs to be applied for in most cases. Instead, it is sent automatically to people who qualify, usually alongside their State Pension or other DWP payments. The government aims to ensure that no one in later life has to choose between warmth and other necessities like food or medication.
How Much People Will Receive
The amount of money each person gets depends on their age and living situation during a specific period in September, called the qualifying week.
- People aged between 66 and 79 will receive £200.
- Those aged 80 or above will receive £300.
- For pensioners living in care homes, the amount is set at £100.
The DWP will send out letters in October and November to confirm how much each person will receive and when the money will arrive. Payments will start appearing in bank accounts during November and December, just in time for the coldest part of the year.
How It Works Across the UK
While the payment operates under the same principle across the country, there are some small regional differences.
In England and Wales, the Winter Fuel Payment continues under the DWP’s long-running system. Pensioners there will receive letters explaining their payment details.
In Scotland, however, the devolved government has introduced its own version called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. Although the name is different, it serves the same purpose—helping older Scots keep their homes warm. This version will also be paid automatically from late November.
Who Qualifies
The qualifying rule is simple: you must have been born before 22 September 1959 and live in England or Wales (or qualify under the Scottish system).
You must also have been resident in the UK during the “qualifying week”, which ended on Sunday, 21 September 2025.
Most people who already receive a State Pension or another DWP benefit will not need to take any action. The payment is sent automatically, so there’s no need to apply unless your circumstances have recently changed.
Who Does Not Qualify
Not everyone over the age of 66 will receive this payment. The DWP has outlined specific cases where someone would not be eligible.
You will not qualify if:
- You live permanently outside England and Wales, unless you meet certain exceptions.
- You were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire qualifying week (15–21 September 2025 and the year before).
- Your immigration status prevents you from claiming public funds.
- You were in prison for the whole qualifying week.
The idea is to ensure the payment goes to those who are genuinely facing energy costs in the UK during winter.
Living in a Care Home
Pensioners who live in a care home can still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but there are a few extra conditions.
If you live in a care home and receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), and you’ve been in that care home since before 23 June 2025, you won’t be eligible for the payment.
However, if you do not receive those benefits, you can still qualify for a smaller amount, typically £100, to help with winter expenses.
Payments for Couples or Shared Households
Many pensioners live with a partner or another person who also qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment. In those cases, the amount each person receives may be different depending on their ages and the benefits they receive.
Here’s how it generally works:
- If you live alone or no one else in your household qualifies, you’ll receive either:
- £200 if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959.
- £300 if you were born before 22 September 1945.
- If you live with someone who also qualifies, and neither of you receives any means-tested benefits, you’ll each get:
- £100 if both of you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959.
- £100 if you were born between those dates but your partner is older (born before 22 September 1945).
- £200 if you are the older one in the pair.
- £150 if both of you were born before 22 September 1945.
If you both receive Pension Credit or Universal Credit jointly, one of you will receive a single combined payment of either £200 or £300, depending on your ages.
The DWP will make sure that each eligible household receives the correct total, paid directly into the bank account where your usual benefits or pension payments go.
What About Those on Benefits?
If you receive certain income-related benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), or Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), you are still eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
The amount you receive will be either £200 or £300, depending on your date of birth. The DWP automatically checks your details, so there’s no need to apply separately.
Importantly, the Winter Fuel Payment does not affect your entitlement to other benefits. It’s treated as an additional one-off support payment and won’t reduce the amount you get from your other benefits.
Tax Implications for Higher Earners
While most pensioners won’t have to pay any tax on this payment, those with higher incomes might.
If your annual income exceeds £35,000, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will reclaim your Winter Fuel Payment through your regular PAYE system (if you’re still working) or through your Self Assessment tax return.
This rule ensures that the scheme remains fair and targeted at those who truly need the help.
Watch Out for Scams
As with many government payments, scammers are using fake messages to try to trick pensioners into handing over personal details.
The DWP has warned people not to click on any links or respond to text messages or emails claiming to help you apply for a Winter Fuel Payment. The DWP never asks for your bank details via text or email, as all eligible payments are processed automatically.
If you’re unsure, you can visit the official GOV.UK website to check your eligibility or to find out how to make a legitimate claim.
Making a Claim (If You Think You’re Missing Out)
Most people don’t need to claim, but if you do not receive a letter from the DWP by late November and believe you qualify, you should take action.
You can check your eligibility and submit a claim through GOV.UK, following the official process. Claims can also be made over the phone. The DWP will review your information and confirm whether you’re entitled to receive the payment.
Why This Payment Matters So Much
The UK’s winter months can be brutal, particularly for older people living alone or in poorly insulated homes. Rising fuel prices have made heating a major source of stress, and cold homes can have serious health consequences.
For many pensioners, this payment is not just about comfort it’s about survival. It helps reduce the risk of cold-related illnesses like pneumonia, heart attacks, and flu. It also gives older people peace of mind that they can stay warm without falling into debt.
According to age-related charities, older citizens spend a higher percentage of their income on energy costs than younger households. That’s why targeted support like the Winter Fuel Payment remains vital, especially for those living on the State Pension alone.
Differences in Scotland
In Scotland, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces the traditional Winter Fuel Payment. It operates under similar rules but is managed by Social Security Scotland instead of the DWP.
This Scottish version aims to provide consistent annual support, regardless of fuel prices or government budgets, ensuring that pensioners in Scotland always receive timely help to cover their winter heating needs.
The Bigger Picture: Energy Costs and Government Support
This year’s announcement from the DWP comes at a time when energy prices remain high despite small reductions in wholesale costs. Many older people are still struggling with the lingering impact of last year’s cost-of-living crisis.
While the Winter Fuel Payment helps, it’s only one part of the government’s broader package of support. Other schemes like the Cold Weather Payment (for those on certain benefits during extremely cold spells) and the Warm Home Discount (a one-off £150 discount on electricity bills for eligible households) work alongside it to reduce the financial burden.
When to Expect the Payment
Here’s what pensioners can expect over the next few months:
- October–November: DWP will send letters confirming eligibility and payment amount.
- November–December: Payments will be made automatically into bank accounts.
- Late November (Scotland): Scottish residents will begin receiving their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
Anyone who believes they’re eligible but doesn’t receive a payment or letter by the end of December should contact the DWP to check their status.