The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months. You must have reached State Pension age to be eligible.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment for households that include someone over state pension age.
If you have over £35,000 of taxable (gross) income per year, the payment you receive will be taken back via the tax system later.
The Winter Fuel Payment is designed to help you cover your heating costs over the winter months.
Eligibility?
You are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26 if:
• you were born on or before 21 September 1959
• you are living in England or for the qualifying week of 15 to 21 September 2025.
How much Winter Fuel Payment could I get?
- If you or your partner are over State Pension age, you could receive £200 towards your bills or £300 if you are both over 80.
- If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income related Employment and Support Allowance, one person will be paid the whole Winter Fuel Payment for the household.
- If you and your partner do not receive one of these benefits the payment is split between you and the other qualifying person you live with.
Here’s a quick guide to how much your HH should receive based on your age and the age of your partner.
1 Person HH – Aged 80+ = £300
1 Person HH – Aged under 80 = £200
2 People HH – Both 80+ – £300
2 Person HH – 1 under 80 = £200
How do I claim Winter Fuel Payment
Payments are automatic you do not need to do anything.
If you have not received your Winter Fuel Payment by January 2026, you can make a claim before 31 March 2026. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
When will winter fuel payments be paid?
If you’re eligible, the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 will be paid directly into your account between November and December 2025.
Can I opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment?
Yes, you can opt out before 15 September 2025.
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 or online at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim to say you do not want to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.
If you change your mind later, you can still make a claim by 31 March 2026.
You might prefer to receive the payment rather than opting out, in case you need help with your bills during the colder months. If your income is over £35,000 by the end of the financial year, the payment can be recovered through the tax system.
Further information on Winter Fuel Payment can be obtained from AgeUK
