The Winter Fuel Allowance, officially known as the Winter Fuel Payment, is a government initiative designed to help older people in the UK cover the cost of heating during the coldest months.
For the winter 2025 to 2026 season, eligible individuals could receive between £100 and £300, depending on their circumstances.
This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can get, when it’s paid, and how to claim it.
What is the Winter Fuel Allowance and How Does It Work?
The Winter Fuel Allowance, also known as the Winter Fuel Payment, is a financial support scheme provided by the UK Government to help older residents meet the cost of heating during the colder months.
It is a tax-free payment and is not dependent on the claimant’s current fuel costs or energy bills.
It is different from other heating support schemes in the UK, such as the Cold Weather Payment and the Warm Home Discount.
The Cold Weather Payment is issued when the average temperature in your area falls to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, and the Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 credit on electricity bills for qualifying households.
The Winter Fuel Payment is not weather dependent. Instead, it is based solely on age, residency, and certain personal circumstances, making it more predictable and consistent for eligible households.
Who Qualifies for the Winter Fuel Allowance in the UK?
Eligibility is primarily determined by age and residency. You may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if you meet the following criteria:
- You were born before 22 September 1959
- You were resident in England or Wales during the qualifying week for winter 2025 to 2026, which is 15 to 21 September 2025
In Northern Ireland, the Winter Fuel Payment is administered by the Northern Ireland Executive, and the same eligibility rules apply as in England and Wales. In Scotland, the payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which has its own rules and payment structure.
People who live in care homes may still be eligible to receive the payment, but different amounts may apply. There are also income-related considerations. If your annual income exceeds £35,000, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may reclaim the payment through adjustments to your tax code or via your Self Assessment tax return.
Who is Not Eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance?
While the Winter Fuel Payment is designed to help a large number of pensioners and older residents, there are circumstances where individuals will not be eligible.
You will not qualify if:
- You live outside England and Wales and do not meet the specific overseas eligibility rules
- You were in the hospital receiving free inpatient treatment for the entire qualifying week and for the same week the previous year
- You were serving a prison sentence during the qualifying week
- You have immigration restrictions that prevent you from claiming public funds
For those living in a care home, you will not be eligible if you receive one of the following benefits: Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, or Universal Credit. This rule applies if you lived in a care home for the whole period from 23 June 2025 or earlier.
How Much Can You Get from the Winter Fuel Allowance?
The amount you can receive depends on your date of birth and your living arrangements during the qualifying week.
Below is the standard payment breakdown for winter 2025 to 2026:
| Living Situation | Born between 22 Sept 1945 and 21 Sept 1959 | Born before 22 Sept 1945 |
| Live alone or with no other eligible person | £200 | £300 |
| Live with another eligible person (no benefits) | £100 each | £150 each |
| Live with another eligible person and get certain benefits | £200 (one payment) | £300 (one payment) |
| Live in a care home (no benefits) | £100 | £150 |
The amount is determined by both your age and whether you live alone, with another eligible person, or in a care home. Benefit status also affects the final payment.
For example:
- A person born in 1950 living alone would receive £200
- A person born before 1945 living alone would receive £300
- Two people living together who were both born after September 1945 would each receive £100 if not on benefits
- Care home residents generally receive smaller payments
When and How Will You Receive the Winter Fuel Payment?
Most people who are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment will receive it automatically without needing to take any action. The timing and method of payment are consistent each year, but there are some key points to be aware of regarding when and how it will arrive.
When Are Winter Fuel Payments Made?
Payments are typically issued in November or December. The exact date can vary depending on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payment schedule and banking arrangements.
If you are eligible, you will be sent a letter in October or November confirming your payment details. This letter acts as official notification and will include:
- The total amount you will receive for the year
- The payment date or payment window
- The bank or building society account into which the payment will be made
You should ensure your bank details are correct with the DWP well before this period to avoid delays.
How Will the Payment Be Made?
The Winter Fuel Payment is made directly into your bank or building society account. This is usually the same account where your State Pension or other benefits are paid.
Key points about the payment process:
- Payments are not issued as cheques unless under exceptional circumstances
- Payments are made separately from your regular pension or benefit payments
- The payment reference on your bank statement will usually say “DWP WFP” or a similar abbreviation
What Should You Do If Your Payment Is Late?
If you have not received your payment by 28 January 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. You may need to confirm:
- Your personal details
- Your bank details
- Your eligibility during the qualifying week (15 to 21 September 2025)
Delays can occur if your eligibility status changed or if the DWP requires additional verification.
Special Circumstances That May Affect Payment
There are specific circumstances in which your payment might be delayed or handled differently:
- If you recently moved house and did not update your address with the DWP
- If you recently changed your bank account details
- If you have moved into or out of a care home
- If you live abroad in a country where UK benefits are still payable under eligibility rules
Making sure that all personal details are up to date with the relevant departments will help ensure your payment arrives without any issues.
Do You Need to Claim the Winter Fuel Allowance?
In most cases, you will not need to make a claim because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will make the payment automatically if you meet the criteria and already receive one of the following:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- Income-related ESA
- Income-based JSA
- Certain war pension and industrial injury benefits
You will need to claim if:
- You have never received the Winter Fuel Payment before
- You have deferred your State Pension
How Can You Claim the Winter Fuel Allowance?
If you need to make a claim, you can do so by post or by phone.
By post
From 15 September 2025, you can complete a Winter Fuel Payment claim form and send it to:
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton WV98 1LR
By phone
From 13 October 2025, you can call 0800 731 0160, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Textphone and BSL video relay options are also available.
Before claiming, make sure you have:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society details
- Your date of marriage or civil partnership, if applicable
The deadline to claim for winter 2025 to 2026 is 31 March 2026.
Can You Opt Out of the Winter Fuel Payment?
You can choose to opt out if you do not wish to receive the payment. To do this, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 15 September 2025. If you change your mind, you can opt back in by contacting the centre before 31 March 2026 to receive the payment for that winter.
What Should You Do If You’re Paid Too Much?
Overpayments can occur for various reasons, including:
- Not reporting a change in circumstances
- Providing incorrect information
- Administrative errors
If you are paid too much, you may be required to repay the overpaid amount. The DWP will inform you of how and when to make repayment. Promptly reporting changes, such as moving into a care home or moving abroad, can help prevent overpayments.
What Other Help is Available for Heating Costs?
While the Winter Fuel Payment is a significant source of support for older people, there are other schemes in the UK that can help with heating costs. These programmes can sometimes be received alongside the Winter Fuel Payment, depending on your individual circumstances. Understanding them can help you make the most of available assistance.
Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment is a scheme designed to provide additional financial support during periods of severe weather. It is triggered when the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
Key points about the Cold Weather Payment:
- It is worth £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather
- Payments are made automatically to people on certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- The payment is made directly into the same account as your benefits
- There is no need to apply if you qualify
These payments can occur multiple times during the winter if the weather conditions are met.
Warm Home Discount
The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment credited directly to your electricity bill to help with energy costs. For winter 2025 to 2026, it is worth £150.
You may qualify if:
- You receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit
- You are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme
The Warm Home Discount is applied automatically for most eligible pensioners, but some low-income households may need to apply directly to their energy supplier. The scheme is offered by participating energy companies, so you should check whether your provider is involved.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund is a grant provided to local councils in England to help residents struggling with the cost of essentials, including energy bills. The type of support offered can vary depending on the council but may include:
- One-off cash payments
- Vouchers for energy costs
- Help with food and other household essentials
Eligibility rules are set by each local authority, so you will need to check your council’s website or contact them directly to find out what is available and how to apply.
Local Energy Efficiency Grants and Schemes
In addition to national programmes, many local councils and community organisations run schemes to help residents improve energy efficiency in their homes. These can include:
- Free or subsidised insulation and draught-proofing
- Boiler repair or replacement schemes
- Energy advice services to reduce household bills
These schemes often have their own eligibility criteria and may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Combining Support for Maximum Benefit
It is possible to receive multiple forms of support at the same time, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each scheme. For example:
- A pensioner could receive the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments during freezing periods, and the Warm Home Discount
- A low-income household could get the Warm Home Discount and help from the Household Support Fund
By understanding the range of support available, households can better prepare for the winter months and reduce the financial pressure of rising energy costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Fuel Allowance
How is the Winter Fuel Payment different from the Cold Weather Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is based on age and residency, while the Cold Weather Payment is triggered by prolonged periods of low temperatures.
Can I receive the Winter Fuel Payment if I live abroad?
Only in certain countries where UK benefits are payable, but generally, you must live in England or Wales.
Will the Winter Fuel Payment affect my other benefits?
No, it does not count as income and will not reduce other benefit entitlements.
Can I choose how the payment is made?
No, it is paid directly into the same account as your State Pension or benefits.
Is the Winter Fuel Payment taxable?
Yes, it is taxable income, but for most pensioners, this does not affect tax liability unless their total income is high.
What is the qualifying week for the payment?
For winter 2025 to 2026, it is 15 to 21 September 2025.
How do I report a change in circumstances?
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre as soon as possible, as changes can affect your payment amount.
