With rising energy costs, keeping warm during the winter months can be a challenge, especially for pensioners. To help with heating expenses, the UK government provides the Winter Fuel Payment—a tax-free benefit designed to assist eligible individuals in managing their energy bills.
For winter 2025-2026, eligible State Pensioners could receive a one-off payment of up to £600, depending on their age and living arrangements. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will begin making payments from November 2025, with most beneficiaries receiving them before Christmas.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment 2025-2026, you must meet both the age and residence requirements.
Age Requirement
You must have been born on or before 25 September 1958 to qualify.
Residence Requirement
You must have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week (16-22 September 2025).
✅ If you live in Switzerland or an EEA country, you may still be eligible if you have a strong link to the UK, such as having worked or lived in the UK.
Who is NOT Eligible?
You will not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if, during the qualifying week, you:
❌ Were in hospital receiving free treatment for over 52 weeks.
❌ Were in prison for the entire qualifying week.
❌ Lived in a care home between 24 June and 15 September 2025 AND received benefits like Pension Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
❌ Need immigration permission to enter the UK, and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on your age and living situation.
For those born between 25 September 1944 and 25 September 1958
| Living Situation | Payment Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Living alone or with people who don’t qualify | £250 |
| Living with someone under 80 who qualifies | £250 |
| Living with someone 80 or older who qualifies | £500 |
| Living with a partner who qualifies and one of you gets certain benefits | £500 |
| Living with someone (not a partner) who qualifies, and one of you gets certain benefits | £500 |
| Living in a care home (without certain benefits) | £250 |
For those born before 25 September 1944
| Living Situation | Payment Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Living alone or with people who don’t qualify | £300 |
| Living with someone under 80 who qualifies | £300 |
| Living with someone 80 or older who qualifies | £600 |
| Living with a partner who qualifies and one of you gets certain benefits | £600 |
| Living with someone (not a partner) who qualifies, and one of you gets certain benefits | £600 |
| Living in a care home (without certain benefits) | £300 |
When Will the Payments Be Made?
The DWP will begin making payments in November 2025, and most payments will be completed before Christmas.
If you do not receive your payment by the end of December 2025, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre for assistance.
How to Claim?
✅ Most people receive the payment automatically if they are eligible and already receiving the State Pension or another social security benefit (excluding Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit).
If you do not receive an automatic payment, you will need to make a claim.
How to Claim Online or by Post
1️⃣ Download the claim form from the Winter Fuel Payment section on Gov.uk.
2️⃣ Fill in the required details (including National Insurance number, bank details, and marital status).
3️⃣ Post the completed form to:
📍 Winter Fuel Payment Centre
📍 Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR
How to Claim by Phone
📞 Call 0800 731 0160 (Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM)
☎ Textphone users: Dial 18001 then 0800 731 0160
🖥 BSL Video Relay Service available for British Sign Language users
Before calling, ensure you have:
✅ Your National Insurance number
✅ Your bank or building society details
✅ Date of marriage or civil partnership (if applicable)
The Winter Fuel Payment is a vital financial support for millions of pensioners in the UK, helping them cope with higher energy bills during the cold months. If you qualify but do not receive a payment, ensure you check your eligibility and make a claim before the deadline.
FAQs
When will Winter Fuel Payments be made?
Payments will start in November 2025 and should arrive by Christmas.
Who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment?
Anyone born on or before 25 September 1958, meeting residency rules.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025?
Between £250 and £600, depending on age and living arrangements.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
Most receive it automatically; others must claim via post or phone.
What should I do if I don’t receive my payment?
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre after December 2025.
