Regan Brown
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free lump sum payment made by the UK government to help older people with their heating bills during winter. The payment amount varies depending on age and income. For those aged 65 and above, the payment is £200, while individuals aged 80 and above receive £300. People living in care homes who receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance are not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. However, if they do not receive these benefits, they can receive a payment of £100 if they are under 80 or £150 if they are 80 or older. The Winter Fuel Payment is typically paid automatically, but individuals can opt out if they do not require the financial assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Help older people with their heating bills during the colder months |
| Who is eligible | People born before 22 September 1959 or those who have reached State Pension age |
| Qualifying week | Week beginning from the third Monday in September (15 to 21 September in 2025) |
| Amount | Between £100 and £300 depending on age and income |
| Payment method | Paid directly into the bank account |
| Timing | November or December 2025 |
| Eligibility rules | Households must receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits |
| Exclusions | People living in a care home from 23 June to 21 September 2025 and receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance |
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Eligibility criteria
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help older people with their heating costs during the colder months.
To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26, you must meet the following criteria:
- You or your partner must be over State Pension age. If you are under 80, you could receive up to £200, and if you are 80 or older, you could receive up to £300.
- If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, one person will be paid the entire Winter Fuel Payment for the household. If neither of you receives these benefits, the payment will be split between you and the other qualifying people you live with.
- Your annual income must be £35,000 or less. If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back through higher tax bills.
- You do not live in a care home from 23 June to 21 September 2025 while receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. If you live in a care home and do not receive these benefits, you may still be eligible for a reduced Winter Fuel Payment of £100 if you are under 80 or £150 if you are 80 or older.
- You were born on or before 21 September 1959 (or your partner was born on or before this date).
- You live in England, Wales, or Scotland. The eligibility rules are the same for England and Wales, and Scotland has introduced a similar winter heating payment with a £35,000 income limit. It is unclear if Northern Ireland will reverse the move to means-based winter fuel payments, but eligibility rules will likely be the same as in previous years if they do.
Most eligible people will receive a letter between October and November informing them of their payment amount, and the payment will be made directly into their bank account between November and December 2025.
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Payment amounts
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free lump sum payment intended to help older people with their heating bills during winter. The amount you receive depends on your age and income.
If you or your partner are over State Pension age, you could receive £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could receive £300. If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, one person will be paid the whole Winter Fuel Payment for the household. If you and your partner do not receive one of these benefits, the payment is split between you and the other qualifying people you live with. If you are 80 years old or older, you will receive: £300 if you do not live with anyone else who qualifies for a payment or £200 if you live with someone else who is under 80 and qualifies for a Winter Fuel Payment themselves.
If you live in a care home and you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you are not entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment. If you live in a care home and you don’t receive one of these benefits, your Winter Fuel Payment is £100 if you are under 80, and £150 if you are 80 or older.
The amount you receive also depends on when you or the person you live with were born. If you and the person you live with were both born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, you will receive £100. If you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, but the person you live with was born before 22 September 1945, you will still receive £100. If you were born before 22 September 1945, but the person you live with was born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, you will receive £200. If you and the person you live with were born before 22 September 1945, you will receive £150.
It is important to note that the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility rules have changed. From winter 2024/2025, households in England and Wales are no longer entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment unless they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. This change has resulted in millions of pensioners no longer receiving the Winter Fuel Payment. However, the government has announced that from winter 2025/2026, all people of State Pension age and over will be entitled to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and it will be recovered by HMRC through the tax system from individuals with an annual income above £35,000.
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Payment dates
If you are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive a letter in October or November informing you of the amount you will be paid. The payment will then be made directly into your bank account between November and December. If you have not received your payment by January 2026, you can make a claim before 31 March 2026 by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual benefit to help older people with their heating costs during winter. The payment amount depends on your age and circumstances. If you or your partner are over State Pension age, you could receive £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could receive £300. If you live in a care home and do not receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, your Winter Fuel Payment is £100 if you are under 80 and £150 if you are 80 or older.
The qualifying week for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26 is the week beginning on the third Monday in September, which is the 15th to the 21st of September in 2025. You can opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment before 15 September 2025 by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment helpline or visiting the website.
It is important to note that the rules for eligibility have changed for the winter of 2024/2025. From this period onwards, households in England and Wales are only entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
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$23.46 $26
Opting out
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help with heating costs during the colder months. If you were born before 22 September 1959, you could get between £100 and £300 to help with heating bills for winter 2025-26.
If you do not wish to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you can opt out before 15 September 2025. There are a few ways to do this:
- Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre or Helpline by calling 0800 731 0160.
- Send a letter by post to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
- Complete the opt-out form online at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.
You will need to provide your personal details when contacting the payment centre, such as your name, address, and date of birth.
If you change your mind later, you can opt back in by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 31 March 2026 to receive a payment for winter 2025-26.
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Other support
If you are not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you may still be able to access other forms of support to help with heating costs during the winter months. Here are some options to consider:
- Cold Weather Payment: This is available if you receive certain benefits and experience a period of cold weather (0°C or below) for seven consecutive days. The payment is £25 for each seven-day period of cold weather.
- Warm Home Discount: If you receive Pension Credit or live in a low-income household, you may be eligible for a £150 discount on your bills through the Warm Home Discount scheme.
- Household Support Fund: Depending on your local council's rules, you may be able to receive support from the Household Support Fund. Contact your local council to find out if you are eligible.
- Pension Credit: If you are over the State Pension age and struggling financially, Pension Credit can help top up your income.
- Other Benefits: If you are receiving certain benefits, such as Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance, you may be eligible for other forms of support or discounts. Check with your benefits provider or local authorities to explore all your options.
It is important to stay informed about the latest changes to eligibility rules and support options, as the government may introduce new measures or schemes to help those struggling with heating costs during the winter. Don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant organizations or authorities to understand your entitlements and access the support you need.
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Frequently asked questions
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help with heating costs during the colder months.
The amount of the winter fuel payment varies depending on age and income. For the 2025-26 period, people of state pension age up to 79 years old will receive £200, while those aged 80 or older will receive £300. People under 80 living in a care home will receive £100, while those 80 or older will receive £150.
To be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have reached state pension age and be living in Wales or England for the qualifying week. From the winter of 2024/2025, households in England and Wales will only be eligible if they receive Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
Most eligible people will receive the Winter Fuel Payment in November or December 2025.
