Millions of retirees will soon receive notifications about their eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment this year. The payment ranges from £100 to £300 and is designated for pensioners born before September 22, 1959.
Individuals earning over £35,000 may need to repay the Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system unless they choose to opt out. Eligibility 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 entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment for the year.
The qualifying period for the Winter Fuel Payment this year is September 15 to 21, 2025, with the qualification criteria subject to annual adjustments. Those aged 80 or older, or living with someone in that age bracket, generally qualify for a higher payment.
Households with individuals claiming benefits may also receive a higher payment. While Winter Fuel Payments were previously universal for all state pensioners, restrictions now apply to those receiving means-tested benefits or earning above £35,000.
Most recipients will automatically receive the payment without needing to apply if they receive certain benefits. However, individuals not receiving these benefits must claim if they have not received the payment before or have deferred their state pension since the last payment.
Claims can be submitted by post starting September 15 or by phone from October 15. Certain conditions, such as being in hospital or prison during the qualifying week, may disqualify individuals from receiving the Winter Fuel Payment.
Residents who have been in care homes for an extended period or receive specific benefits like Universal Credit and Pension Credit may also be ineligible. In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced with a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.