The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that pensioners over State Pension age can now claim their Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 to help cover energy costs during the colder months.
Phone lines for new claims officially opened on Monday, October 13, and eligible pensioners can also submit a claim by post.
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Automatic Payments for Most Pensioners
Around nine million people across England and Wales will automatically receive their Winter Fuel Payment between November and December 2025.
In Scotland, approximately 880,000 pensioners will get up to £305 through a separate program called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, issued automatically by Social Security Scotland starting next month.
Who Needs to Claim
Most people will get the payment automatically if they were eligible during the qualifying week (September 15–21, 2025) and receive one of the following benefits:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- War Pensions Scheme
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
You must make a claim if:
- You’ve never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or
- You’ve deferred your State Pension since your last payment.
The deadline to claim for the 2025–2026 winter is March 31, 2026.
How to Claim
You can apply for your Winter Fuel Payment:
- By phone: Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre (number available on GOV.UK).
- By post: Download and complete the claim form from GOV.UK and send it to the address listed.
Scam warning: DWP has warned pensioners not to click on links in emails or texts claiming to help you apply. DWP will never ask for personal or banking information this way.
Who Is Eligible
To qualify, you must:
- Have been born before September 22, 1959, and
- Live in England or Wales during the qualifying week.
You’re not eligible if you:
- Live outside England or Wales (Scotland has its own payment)
- Were in hospital receiving free treatment all week (September 15–21, 2025)
- Were in prison for that week
- Have immigration status that prohibits claiming public funds
Payment Amounts
The amount depends on your date of birth and living circumstances during the qualifying week.
| Household Situation | Born Between Sept 22, 1945 and Sept 21, 1959 | Born Before Sept 22, 1945 |
|---|---|---|
| Live alone or with ineligible person | £200 | £300 |
| Live with someone else eligible (no benefits) | £100 | £150 |
| Live with partner, joint benefit claim | £200 | £300 |
| Live in a care home (eligible) | £100 | £150 |
Payments will be made directly into the same bank account as your State Pension or other benefits.
Most people will receive their payment in November or December 2025.
If you do not get a letter or payment by January 28, 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Important Note for Scots Pensioners
Pensioners in Scotland will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment from DWP. Instead, they’ll automatically receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which follows similar eligibility criteria.
Tax and Income
If your annual income is over £35,000, HMRC may reclaim your Winter Fuel Payment through PAYE or your Self Assessment return.
The opt-out window for pensioners in England and Wales closed on September 15, and for Scotland on October 10.
FAQ,s: Winter Fuel Payment 2025–2026
1. When will I receive my payment?
Most payments are made in November or December 2025.
2. Do I need to reapply every year?
No. If you’ve received it before and your circumstances haven’t changed, it will be paid automatically.
3. How will I know how much I’ll get?
You’ll receive a letter in October or November confirming the payment amount and bank details.
4. What if I don’t receive a letter?
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received a letter or payment by January 28, 2026.
5. Is the payment taxable?
Yes, if your total income exceeds £35,000, it may be reclaimed by HMRC.