A guide to the Winter Fuel Payment

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free allowance from the government that helps State Pensioner households pay for their fuel and heating bills during the winter.

In 2024/25, only pensioners receiving specific benefits were eligible for the payment, but this has now changed.

For winter 2025/26, the Winter Fuel Payment is available to all those of a State Pension age living in England or Wales with an annual income of £35,000 or less.

How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances during the 'qualifying week'.

You’ll usually get a letter in October or November to let you know how much you’ll get.

Here's how much it could be:

Your Winter Fuel Payment could be different if you live with someone else and one of you receives any of the following qualifying benefits:

• Pension Credit

• Universal Credit

• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

• Income Support.

Am I eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?

The government sets a date each year that defines eligibility for the payment. This is known as the ‘qualifying week’.

The dates change every year to include people reaching the State Pension age during the winter, but it typically falls on the third week of September.

For winter 2025/26, the qualifying week is 15 to 21 September 2025.

Under the rules for 2025/26, all pensioners automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment. However, those that don’t qualify will need to pay the money back later through the tax system.

You are eligible to keep your Winter Fuel Payment if all of the following apply:

• You were born before 22 September 1958

• You live in England or Wales

• You have an income of £35,000 or less a year.

If you live in England or Wales

If you were born before 22 September 1959 and live in England or Wales, you should receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.

If you think you qualify but haven’t received the payment, you’ll need to make a claim. This would apply, for example, if you decided to defer claiming your State Pension.

The Winter Fuel Payment won’t affect any other winter allowances you may be eligible for, such as the Warm Home Discount.

It also shouldn’t be confused with the Cold Weather Payment, which is available to people on specific benefits when the weather is consistently cold over seven consecutive days.

If you live in Scotland

Unfortunately, you can’t get the Winter Fuel Payment if you live in Scotland. However, you might be eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if you’re of the State Pension age and receive less than £35,000 a year in taxable income.

See the Scottish Government website for the latest information.

If you live in Northern Ireland

The Winter Fuel Payment is available to pensioners in Northern Ireland through nidirect. The eligibility rules are the same as those living in England and Wales.

See more about who is eligible for Cold Weather Payments.

Do all pensioners in England and Wales get the Winter Fuel Payment?

Most pensioners will initially receive the Winter Fuel Payment. However, you won’t be able to keep your allowance if:

• You were in prison for the whole of the qualifying week

• Live outside of England and Wales

• You were in hospital getting free treatment for more than 52 weeks

• You need permission to enter the UK and are not entitled to claim public funds

• You were in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier and receive qualifying benefits

• You have an annual income of more than £35,000.

Can a husband and wife get the Winter Fuel Payment?

Yes, potentially – as can civil partners and same-sex married couples. But this depends on your situation in the qualifying week, including:

• Where in the UK you live

• Each person’s age

• If both people are eligible

• If you or they are receiving certain benefits

• Whether benefits are claimed jointly or not

• Whether you live in a care home.

Any money you get is tax-free and won’t affect any other benefits you might receive. The payment will be on top of any Cost of Living Payment you get if you’re entitled to a qualifying low-income benefit or tax credits, or a qualifying disability benefit.

How and when will my Winter Fuel Payment be paid?

You will receive a letter between October and November telling you how much you’re entitled to and an estimated payment date.

Your Winter Fuel Payment will be paid directly into the same bank account your benefits are paid into, usually between November and December.

If you didn’t get a letter or they payment hasn’t reached your account by 29 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

What other government financial help is available to help pay winter fuel bills?

There is some support available through a variety of grants and schemes, such as the Household Support Fund and Cold Weather Payments. See details on how to get help with your energy bills.

You can also read our guide on what to do if you can’t afford to pay your energy bills.