As winter approaches, households across England and Wales are preparing for higher heating costs. Energy bills remain a concern for pensioners and those on fixed incomes. To ease this burden, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the cut off dates for the Winter Fuel Payment 2025. Eligible pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs during the coldest months.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment designed to help older people manage heating bills. It is available to anyone born on or before 22 September 1959. Most people who already receive the State Pension or certain benefits will get the payment automatically. For the winter of 2025 to 2026, around nine million households in England and Wales are expected to qualify. Payments will be issued in November or December 2025.
Who is Eligible for the Payment
You may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 22 September 1959 and lived in England or Wales during the qualifying week of 15 to 21 September 2025. Eligibility also depends on whether you receive certain benefits.
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- War Pensions Scheme awards
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
If you do not receive one of these, you may still need to make a claim.
Who Will Not Receive the Payment
Not everyone who is old enough will get the payment. You will not qualify if you live outside England and Wales, if you were in hospital receiving free treatment during the entire qualifying week, if you were in prison during that week, if your immigration status prevents you from claiming public funds, or if you lived in a care home for the full year from 23 June 2025 while also receiving certain benefits such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
How Much You Will Get
The amount depends on your age and living situation.
| Living Situation | Born between 22 Sept 1945 and 21 Sept 1959 | Born before 22 Sept 1945 |
|---|---|---|
| Live alone | £200 | £300 |
| Live with someone else who is eligible | £100 to £200 | £100 to £200 |
| Live in a care home and qualify | £100 | £150 |
The Winter Fuel Payment does not affect any other benefits you already receive.
Income Over 35000
For winter 2025, those with an income above £35,000 will still receive the payment but must repay it through HMRC. Repayment can be made by adjusting the 2026 to 2027 tax code or through the Self Assessment tax return for the 2025 to 2026 tax year. If you prefer not to receive the payment at all, you can opt out by 14 September 2025 online or by phone before 6 PM on 12 September 2025.
When and How Payments Will Be Made
Letters confirming eligibility will be sent in October or November 2025. Payments are usually deposited in November or December. If you believe you qualify but do not receive a letter, you may need to check your details or submit a claim.
How to Make a Claim
Most pensioners will receive the payment automatically. However, if you need to claim, you can do so by post starting 15 September 2025 or by phone from 13 October 2025. The final deadline for claims is 31 March 2026. Postal claims should be sent to, Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR
Phone claims can be made by calling 0800 731 0160. Textphone users can dial 18001 then 0800 731 0160. A British Sign Language video relay service is also available online. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM.