Government help for energy bills
With the cost of living having an impact on everyone's energy bills, understanding what help is available and which...
Winter Fuel Payment
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 and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit to be eligible.
This page covers information about Winter Fuel Payments for 2025-26.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 21 September 1959 (for 2025-26) and receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
Winter Fuel Payment is designed to help you cover your heating costs over the winter months.
How much Winter Fuel Payment could I get?
If you or your partner are over State Pension age and receive a qualifying benefit, you could get £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could get £300. Payments are made to the person claiming the benefit and are for the household.
You're not entitled to Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home or nursing home during the period 23 June to 21 September 2025.
Am I eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?
You may be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26 if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you were born on or before 22 September 1958
- you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- you were living in England or Wales* for the qualifying week.
The qualifying week is the week beginning from the third Monday in September. This is 15 to 21 September in 2025.
*Some people living in an EEA Country or Switzerland can receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Are you entitled to extra money?
Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.
How do I claim Winter Fuel Payment
If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically.
When will Winter Fuel Payments be paid?
If you're eligible for payments, the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 will be paid directly into your account between November and December 2025.
If you have any questions about your Winter Fuel Payment you can call Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
Help us save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners
The Government has announced that the Winter Fuel Payment will now be means-tested in England and Wales. As many as 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it. Sign our petition to save the Winter Fuel Payment for the poorest pensioners.
Want more information?
We're here to help
We offer support through our free Advice Line. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs. You can contact us on:
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0800 768 1602
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