Millions of retired individuals will be notified soon about their eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment for the upcoming year. This payment ranges from £100 to £300 and is specifically for pensioners born before September 22, 1959.
Those with an income exceeding £35,000 will have to repay the Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system unless they choose to opt out. The eligibility for this payment is based on individual income, which means that one partner in a couple may qualify while the other may not.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be sending out letters in October and November to households entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
The qualifying period for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment is from September 15 to 21, 2025. If you or someone in your household is 80 years or older, you may qualify for a higher payment. Additionally, receiving benefits or having a household member claiming benefits may also result in a higher payment.
While Winter Fuel Payments were previously available to all state pensioners, last year saw a change where only those receiving means-tested benefits were eligible. However, this year introduces a new income threshold of £35,000.
Most individuals will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically without needing to make a claim if they already receive certain benefits. If you are not receiving these benefits, you will need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment if you haven’t received it before or if you have deferred your state pension since the last payment.
For those who need to apply, the application process opens by post from September 15 and by phone from October 15. Certain circumstances, such as being in the hospital or prison during the qualifying week, may affect eligibility.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.