Struggling households are set for a winter lifeline as fresh support lands in millions of bank accounts.
Pensioners and benefit claimants will automatically receive up to £300 to help with soaring energy bills.
The Winter Fuel Payment will be sent to around nine million people to help cover heating costs during the colder months.
After last year’s controversial restrictions, the scheme has been expanded again to include more low-income households.
Crucially, those receiving certain benefits will now qualify automatically for the payout.
Eligibility has widened following a government U-turn, with the payment now available to anyone earning £35,000 or less a year.
This reverses the 2024/25 policy that restricted support to a narrower group of means-tested benefit claimants.
Individuals who meet the criteria will receive up to £300, depending on their age and household circumstances. Most will get the payment automatically without needing to apply.
GETTY | Most Winter Fuel Payments are automatically paid in November or DecemberWho is eligible?
To qualify, individuals must:
- Have been born before 22 September 1959
- Be living in England or Wales during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025)
Which benefits qualify?
Those receiving any of the following benefits will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically:
- 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
Anyone not receiving one of these benefits must apply if they have never received the Winter Fuel Payment before, or if they have deferred their State Pension.
GETTY | Anyone not receiving one of these benefits must apply if they have never received the Winter Fuel Payment before
Pensioners not receiving these benefits must submit an application to access the payment. This particularly applies to individuals who have deferred their State Pension since receiving their last Winter Fuel Payment or those who have never claimed before.
Eligibility assessment occurs during the qualifying week from 15 to 21 September, when authorities review each household's circumstances to determine payment amounts.
Payment amounts vary significantly based on age and household composition. Pensioners living independently or with non-eligible individuals receive £200 if born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, rising to £300 for those born earlier.
When two eligible pensioners share a home without claiming joint benefits, each receives £100 if both fall within the younger age bracket. Mixed-age households see varied rates, with £100 for younger claimants living with older housemates, £200 in reverse situations, and £150 when both predate 22 September 1945.
Couples claiming joint benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit receive £200 if both partners fall within the younger category, increasing to £300 when either partner predates the threshold. Individual benefit claimants receive the full £200 or £300 based on their birth date.
Care home residents receive reduced amounts of £100 or £150, determined by their age bracket.
Postal applications opened on 15 September, whilst telephone applications became available from 13 October. Pensioners have until 31 March 2026 to submit their claims through either channel.
PA | The Winter Fuel Payment Centre processes all applications and enquiries
The Winter Fuel Payment Centre processes all applications and enquiries. Those expecting payments should watch for confirmation letters arriving between October and November, detailing their entitlement amount.
Anyone who hasn't received correspondence by 28 January 2026 should contact the helpline on 0800 731 0160. This ensures no eligible pensioner misses out on their entitlement due to administrative delays.
The Government's online portal at gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim provides comprehensive guidance on the application process. This resource helps pensioners determine their eligibility and understand the necessary steps to secure their payment.
Most beneficiaries receive their funds during November or December, providing timely support as winter heating demands increase.