As energy costs continue to place pressure on households, especially older adults and vulnerable individuals, many are asking: “Is there a Winter Fuel Allowance this year?” The answer is yes – a Winter Fuel Payment will be paid for the 2025/26 winter season.
However, some eligibility rules have changed, and payment arrangements may vary depending on personal circumstances.
This guide explains who qualifies, how much you could receive, when payments are made, and how to claim if you haven’t received it automatically.
It also covers key differences between the Winter Fuel Payment and other heating support schemes available in the UK.
What Is The Winter Fuel Allowance And Who Is Eligible In 2025?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a government initiative designed to assist older individuals with their heating bills during the colder months.
For the 2025/26 season, the payment will be issued as usual, but the eligibility criteria have been updated.
To be eligible for the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment, the individual must:
- Have been born before 22 September 1959
- Live in England or Wales during the qualifying period
However, there are specific situations where someone will not be eligible:
- Living outside England and Wales
- Hospitalised for the full week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before
- In prison during the qualifying week
- Subject to immigration control with no access to public funds
Residents in care homes are eligible, but only if they are not receiving:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Additionally, they must not have been living in the care home since 23 June 2025 or earlier.
When Will The Winter Fuel Payments Be Made This Year?
The Winter Fuel Payment is typically paid during November and December. Most people will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in October or November detailing the payment amount and confirming the bank account into which it will be paid.
Below is the official timeline:
| Event | Date |
| Qualifying Week | 15 to 21 September 2025 |
| Letters Sent | October to November 2025 |
| Payments Made | November to December 2025 |
| Last Date to Report Non-Payment | 28 January 2026 |
If the payment is not received by the end of January 2026, it is advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
How Much Is The Winter Fuel Allowance For 2025?
The amount a person receives depends on their date of birth and their circumstances during the qualifying week.
These circumstances include whether they live alone, live with another eligible person, live in a care home, or receive certain benefits.
Payment Overview Table:
| Living Situation | Born 22 Sep 1945 – 21 Sep 1959 | Born Before 22 Sep 1945 |
| Lives Alone | £200 | £300 |
| Lives With Another Eligible Person | £100 | £150 |
| In Care Home (No Qualifying Benefits) | £100 | £150 |
| Receives Qualifying Benefit (Not Joint Claim) | £200 | £300 |
| Joint Benefit Claim With Partner | £200 (both 1945–1959) or £300 (either born before 1945) | £300 |
The actual payment will be confirmed in a letter, and it will be paid into the same account used for receiving benefits.
How Do You Know If You’ll Get The Winter Fuel Payment Automatically?
Most eligible individuals will not need to apply. They will receive the payment automatically if they receive any of the following:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Income-related ESA or JSA
- Income Support
- War Pensions Scheme
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
Those who do not receive any of these benefits or have never received the Winter Fuel Payment before must submit a claim.
Automatic eligibility also applies if someone received the Winter Fuel Payment last year and their circumstances haven’t changed.
If they deferred their State Pension since their last payment, they will also need to make a new claim.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Receive The Winter Fuel Allowance?
If a person expects to receive the Winter Fuel Payment but does not get a letter or payment, there are two ways to claim:
Claim By Post
- Available from 15 September 2025
- Complete the Winter Fuel Payment claim form
- Send it to:
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR
Claim By Phone
- Available from 13 October 2025
- Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160
- Relay UK users can dial 18001 then 0800 731 0160
The deadline to claim for the 2025/26 payment is 31 March 2026.
Before calling or submitting the form, applicants will need:
- National Insurance number
- Bank or building society details
- Date of marriage or civil partnership (if applicable)
They will also be asked about their living situation during the qualifying week, such as if they were in hospital, a care home, or in prison.
How Does The Winter Fuel Allowance Differ From The Cold Weather Payment?
While both schemes are designed to help with winter heating costs, they operate under different conditions and eligibility rules.
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Winter Fuel Payment | Cold Weather Payment |
| Target Group | Older individuals | Low-income households on certain benefits |
| Payment Trigger | Annual, age-based | Temperature falls below 0°C for 7 consecutive days |
| Payment Type | Lump sum (£100–£300) | £25 per cold period |
| Application Required | Usually automatic | Automatic for those on qualifying benefits |
| Availability | England and Wales | UK-wide |
The Cold Weather Payment is a reactive measure, while the Winter Fuel Payment is preventative and scheduled annually.
Can You Get Additional Help With Heating Costs In The UK?
Yes, there are several other financial support schemes and grants available in the UK to help with rising heating and energy bills, especially for those who may not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment or need additional assistance beyond it. These options are managed through government departments, local authorities, energy suppliers, and charitable organisations.
Government Schemes and Support Funds
1. Warm Home Discount Scheme:
This provides a £150 one-off discount on electricity bills for eligible low-income households or pensioners receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. The scheme typically runs between October and March, and most eligible customers receive the discount automatically.
2. Cold Weather Payment:
Separate from the Winter Fuel Payment, this scheme offers £25 per 7-day period when the average temperature in your area is recorded (or forecast) to be zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. It is paid automatically to those receiving certain means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, Income Support, or Universal Credit.
3. Household Support Fund:
Administered by local councils, this fund is designed to support vulnerable households with essentials, including energy costs. The eligibility criteria and application process may vary depending on your local authority. It is advisable to check your council’s website for up-to-date details.
Energy Supplier Schemes
Most major energy suppliers offer grants or hardship funds to customers who are struggling to pay their bills. These are not automatically applied and usually require a direct application.
Examples include:
- British Gas Energy Trust
- E.ON Energy Fund
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
- ScottishPower Hardship Fund
These grants can be used to clear energy debts, help with energy-efficient appliances, or fund insulation improvements.
Charitable Organisations and Advice Services
Several charities also assist those in fuel poverty or at risk of it:
- Turn2Us: Provides access to grants and financial assistance
- National Energy Action (NEA): Campaigns for warmer homes and can assist with home energy improvements
- Citizens Advice: Offers free, confidential advice on dealing with high energy bills, negotiating with suppliers, and accessing emergency support
Home Energy Efficiency Improvements
Government-funded initiatives like the Great British Insulation Scheme or Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) offer help with improving home energy efficiency. Measures may include:
- Cavity wall insulation
- Loft insulation
- Boiler replacements
- Draught-proofing
Improving your home’s energy efficiency not only reduces energy bills in the long term but may also prevent eligibility for fuel-related assistance in future years as overall consumption decreases.
Are There Any Changes To The Winter Fuel Payment In 2025 Compared To Previous Years?
Yes, there have been some notable changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme for the 2025/26 winter season, primarily concerning eligibility, payment processing, and tax implications. These adjustments reflect the government’s effort to ensure the scheme remains targeted, fair, and cost-effective amid evolving economic conditions.
Updated Age Eligibility
The most immediate change is the revised age threshold. For the 2025/26 period, you must have been born before 22 September 1959 to qualify. This is a shift from previous years as the government gradually increases the qualifying age in line with State Pension age changes.
This new date excludes some individuals who may have received the allowance in previous years but have now fallen outside the threshold.
Changes for Care Home Residents
There are more specific rules this year for those living in care homes. While care home residents can still qualify for the payment, they will not be eligible if:
- They have been living in the care home since 23 June 2025 or earlier
- They receive certain income-based benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, or income-based ESA or JSA
This aims to prevent duplicate payments in shared-living situations and better direct funds to independent households.
Income Threshold and Tax Implications
For the first time, the government has introduced tax implications for those with higher incomes. If your total income exceeds £35,000, the Winter Fuel Payment becomes taxable. HMRC will recover the payment by:
- Adjusting your tax code for the 2026/27 tax year
- Including the amount in your Self Assessment tax return for 2025/26
This marks a significant shift in how the payment is treated for higher-income pensioners, making it more of a means-tested benefit in practice, even if not formally branded as such.
No Additional Cost-Of-Living Top-Up
In the previous two years, the government had issued extra Cost of Living Payments alongside the Winter Fuel Payment due to the ongoing energy crisis. For 2025/26, there has been no official announcement of any such additional support. This may impact pensioners who had come to rely on these temporary top-ups.
Payment and Claim Process Remains Largely Unchanged
Despite the above changes, the core process for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment remains largely the same. Most people who are eligible will receive the payment automatically, and those who need to claim for the first time can do so by post or by phone. The deadline remains 31 March 2026 for claims related to this winter season.
Administrative Improvements
Behind the scenes, the DWP has also made improvements to processing times and automated verification systems to reduce payment delays and errors. This should result in more consistent delivery across all eligible claimants.
Conclusion
The Winter Fuel Allowance remains a vital support for older UK residents dealing with rising energy costs. For 2025/26, it will be paid automatically to most eligible individuals starting in November 2025. If you haven’t received your letter or payment by 28 January 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Understanding your eligibility, payment amount, and claim process is key to ensuring you receive what you’re entitled to. As with all government schemes, it’s best to stay informed and check your details carefully.
FAQs About the Winter Fuel Allowance in the UK
What is the qualifying week for Winter Fuel Payment 2025?
The qualifying week is 15 to 21 September 2025, and your eligibility is assessed based on your circumstances during this time.
Do I need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment every year?
No, most eligible people are paid automatically each year, as long as their circumstances haven’t changed.
Will Winter Fuel Payments affect my Universal Credit or Pension Credit?
No, the payment is tax-free and does not count as income for benefit purposes.
Can I receive both Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment?
Yes, if you meet the criteria for both, you can receive both payments in the same winter.
How do I update my bank details for the Winter Fuel Payment?
You should contact the DWP or the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if your bank details have changed.
Can people under 60 get the Winter Fuel Payment?
No. You must be born before 22 September 1959 to qualify for the 2025/26 payment.
What happens if I was abroad during the qualifying week?
If you were outside England or Wales during the qualifying week, you may not be eligible unless you meet certain residency rules.
Related Links:
