Nine million nation pensioners in England and Wales will acquire the Winter Fuel Payment this year under new eligibility policies introduced via the Chancellor. Rachel Reeves today announced that the Winter Fuel Payment, that is worth up to £300, will be restored to the huge majority of pensioners who have been previously denied it following a rule change closing year. Millions of households missed out on important help last iciness after Labour constrained the price only to people who claimed Pension Credit or positive different income-related advantages in a pass aimed toward balancing a £22 billion “black hole” in the public budget.
The selection to method-take a look at the charge noticed the quantity of pensioners eligible to obtain it plummet from round 11.4 million right down to just 1.5 million. But now a government U-flip will see the price restored to millions of pensioners way to a exchange to the eligibility criteria.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-loose fee for families that consist of a person born on or before 21 September 1959 (for 2025-26) and acquire Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-primarily based Jobseeker’s Allowance or profits-associated Employment and Support Allowance. Winter Fuel Payment is designed to help you cowl your heating fees over the winter months.
Who gets the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025?
New eligibility rules suggest that the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 to 2026 will be made to absolutely everyone in England and Wales born before September 22, 1959, except you pick out no longer to get it. The government says you may need to have reached State Pension age by means of the week starting September 15, 2025, in England and Wales to qualify
All pensioners in England and Wales with an profits of, or underneath, £35,000 according to yr gets a Winter Fuel Payment, however those with a higher profits will see their Winter Fuel Payment clawed back thru HMRC.
Payments will be made robotically by using the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) so you don’t want to do some thing to get it. Devolved robotically in Scotland and Northern Ireland will each get hold of a investment uplift to satisfy the brand new threshold.
HM Treasury stated: “Eligibility is based on a person’s age and region of residence for the duration of the qualifying week (the 1/3 complete week of September). For winter 2025/26, the qualifying week could be 15 to 21 September 2025. A person desires to have reached State Pension age with the aid of the stop of the qualifying week to be eligible.”
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 and is given to pensioner families to assist cover heating prices during the winter months. The charge is well worth £200 in line with household, or £300 in keeping with household wherein there’s a person over the age of 80.
HM Treasury adds: “From 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payments can be payable in England and Wales at £200 for families such as someone among State Pension age and 79, and £300 for families such as someone elderly 80 or over.
“Where the household isn’t getting an income related benefit, which includes Pension Credit, a shared price may be made – e.g. A couple, every beneath 80, no longer on Pension Credit will acquire a price of £100 each.”
Eligibility Criteria for Winter Fuel Payment?
You may be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26 in case you meet all the following criteria:
- You have been born on or earlier than 22 September 1959.
- You receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, earnings-primarily based Jobseeker’s.
- Allowance or earnings-associated Employment and Support Allowance.
- You have been dwelling in England or Wales* for the qualifying week.
The qualifying week is the week beginning from the 1/3 Monday in September. This is 15 to 21 September in 2025.
How to Check or Claim
- Check eligibility on the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment page.
- Receive a letter by early November confirming your payment details.
- Apply only if you are not receiving benefits or live abroad.
- Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if there are issues or no letter is received by mid-November.
Final Thought
The Winter Fuel Payment 2025, with a £300 top-up, is a vital source of help for millions of UK pensioners battling high winter energy bills. With a deadline in place and automatic payments planned, most won’t need to apply—but don’t delay if you’re unsure of your status. Checking early could save you hundreds of pounds this winter.
FAQ’s
How do I declare Winter Fuel Payment
If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, earnings-primarily based Jobseeker’s Allowance or profits-related Employment and Support Allowance, the price should go to the primary claimant of the advantage robotically.
When will Winter Fuel Payments be paid?
If you’re eligible for bills, the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 will be paid at once into your account among November and December 2025.
