DWP Winter Fuel Payments 2025: What You Need to Know

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that over 9 million people born before 22 September 1959 will automatically receive between £100 and £300 this winter to help with heating costs. Payments will be made in November or December, and most pensioners in England and Wales won’t need to apply.

Letters explaining how much people will get will be sent out during October and November. Eligibility is based on age and household circumstances during the qualifying week of 15–21 September 2025.

Scotland

Older people in Scotland will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Instead, they will get the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, paid automatically by Social Security Scotland from the end of November, under similar eligibility rules.

Who Can Get Winter Fuel Payments

You qualify if:

• You were born before 22 September 1959

• You live in England or Wales

You will not qualify if you:

• Live outside England and Wales

• Were in hospital receiving free treatment throughout the week of 15–21 September 2025 (and also the year before)

• Need permission to stay in the UK but are barred from claiming public funds

• Were in prison for the whole of the qualifying week

Care homes: Residents can receive the payment, unless both of these apply:

• You receive Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit, income-based JSA, or income-related ESA

• You lived in a care home continuously since 23 June 2025 or earlier

Payment Amounts

The amount you get depends on your date of birth and whether you live alone, with another eligible person, or receive certain benefits.

If you live alone (or no one else you live with qualifies):

• £200 if born 22 September 1945 – 21 September 1959

• £300 if born before 22 September 1945

If you live with someone else who qualifies (and don’t get benefits):

• £100 if both born between 22 September 1945 – 21 September 1959

• £100 if you were born in that range but they were born before 22 September 1945

• £200 if you were born before 22 September 1945 and they were born later

• £150 if both born before 22 September 1945

If you and your partner jointly claim benefits:

• £200 if both born between 22 September 1945 – 21 September 1959

• £300 if one or both born before 22 September 1945

If you claim benefits individually:

• £200 if born between 22 September 1945 – 21 September 1959

• £300 if born before 22 September 1945

If you live in a care home and qualify:

• £100 if born between 22 September 1945 – 21 September 1959

• £150 if born before 22 September 1945

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

Payment Details

• Payments are usually made into the same bank account as your State Pension or benefits.

• You’ll receive a letter confirming how much you’ll get and where it will be paid.

• Most people will be paid by December 2025.

• If you haven’t received your payment or a letter by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

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