Millions of households are set to receive the Winter Fuel Payment soon, however, many won’t qualify for it. According to Department for Work and Pensions figures, over nine million people born before 22 September 1959 will receive between £100 and £300.
Eligible pensioners residing in care homes will receive Winter Fuel Payments of £100, while those aged between 66 and 79 will receive £200, and pensioners aged 80 and above will get the maximum amount of £300. Most eligible pensioners will automatically receive their Winter Fuel Payments during November and December.
Guidance on GOV.UK indicates that letters will be dispatched in October and November to inform pensioners in England and Wales about the amount they can expect to receive.
It’s important to note that the qualifying week which determines who will be eligible for the payment ended on Sunday, September 21. If you find out that you’re not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, there may still be other forms of support available through additional benefits or schemes from your energy supplier.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments
You can receive a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 22 September 1959 and live in England or Wales. The government explained: “The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 15 and 21, 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.”
When you will not be eligible
You will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you:
- Were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
- Were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
- Live outside England and Wales
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
Age UK has further clarified that if you resided in a care home between June 23 and September 21, 2025, while also receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, you would not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. However, care home residents under 80 who did not receive any of these benefits could be entitled to £100, or £150 for those aged 80 and above.
When you will get paid
Most eligible people will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment. If you believe you qualify but haven’t received it, you can check whether you’re able to submit a claim.
The deadline for winter 2025 to 2026 applications is March 31, 2026.
The DWP has stated: “Pensioners above the £35,000 threshold will have the full amount of the Winter Fuel Payment they received automatically collected via PAYE, or via their Self-Assessment return. No one will need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.
“Pensioners who want to opt out and not receive the payment at all, will be able to do so, with details to be confirmed.” Comprehensive information on the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment can be found on the GOV.UK website.
