The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that between £100-£300 will be paid to retirees who qualify

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed details of this year’s winter fuel payment. Officials recently announced that over nine million individuals born prior to September 22, 1959 are set to receive between £100 and £300 to assist with elevated heating costs throughout the winter period.

Winter Fuel Payments shall be distributed automatically to the majority of qualifying pensioners during November or December. Updated guidance on GOV.UK additionally confirms that correspondence will be dispatched in October and November, notifying pensioners across England and Wales of their anticipated payment amounts.

The qualifying timeframe for this support – which depends on age and domestic circumstances – spans September 15-21. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here

Elderly residents in Scotland should note they will not obtain a Winter Fuel Payment as this benefit has been superseded by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

This follows comparable eligibility requirements to the DWP scheme, but will be distributed automatically by Social Security Scotland from late November onwards.

Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments

You will qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and reside in England or Wales.

You will not qualify if you:

  • live outside England and Wales
  • were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
  • need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
  • were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025

You can obtain Winter Fuel Payment whilst residing in a care home, though you will not be entitled if both of the following circumstances apply:

  • you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier

DWP guidance clarifies: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible.

“If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.”

It’s crucial to remain vigilant as fraudsters may attempt to deceive you into making a claim via text message, urging you to click on a link. This is not a legitimate DWP communication and should be removed immediately.

If you believe you need to make a claim, follow the official guidance on GOV.UK.

The sum you receive depends on your date of birth and your situation during 15 to 21 September 2025. This period is known as the ‘qualifying week’.

Any funds you receive will not impact your other benefits. If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

You will get either:

  • £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits:

  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support

If you don’t receive benefits you will get a payment of:

  • £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945
  • £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945

If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits one of you will get a payment of either:

  • £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.

If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim).

You will get a payment of either:

  • £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

If your income is more than £35,000 HMRC will recover your entire Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return.

If you live in a care home and you are eligible you’ll get either:

  • £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
  • £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945

DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December.

You should get a letter telling you:

  • how much you’ll get
  • which bank account it will be paid into – this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits

DWP added: “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”