Millions of retirees will soon be informed via mail about their eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment this year. The payments range from £100 to £300 and are designated for pensioners born before September 22, 1959.
Individuals earning over £35,000 may be required to repay the Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system unless they choose to opt out. Eligibility for the payment is determined per person, so in a couple, one person may qualify while the other does not.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will dispatch letters in October and November to households eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year. The qualifying week for this year’s payment is September 15 to 21, 2025, with eligibility criteria including age and household benefits.
Most recipients will automatically receive the payment without needing to apply if they receive certain benefits. Those not receiving these benefits must claim if they haven’t received the payment before or have deferred their state pension.
Applications for the Winter Fuel Payment can be made by post from September 15 or by phone from October 15. Exclusions from eligibility include being in hospital for the entire qualifying week, being in prison during the week, or residing in a care home for specific periods.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced with a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.