Winter Fuel Payment - What is a Winter Fuel Payment?

A Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off, tax-free payment made during the winter to help with heating costs. It is made to households that include someone over State Pension age who is in receipt of a qualifying benefit.

Winter Fuel Payment change for 2025/26

On 9 June 2025, the UK Government announced changes to the Winter Fuel Payments. From winter 2025/26, everyone over State Pension age in England and Wales will get a Winter Fuel Payment. But if you have a taxable income of more than £35,000 a year, you’ll need to pay it back later through tax deductions or self-assessment.

The governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland haven’t confirmed their plans yet. We’ll update this guide when more information is available.

If you were born before 22 September 1959, you might qualify for a payment during winter 2025/26, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

Most payments are made automatically during November and December. If you apply for the first time, you should receive your payment before Christmas.

The amount (between £200 and £300) you can receive each winter can vary according to your personal circumstances. Your age or other people living with you who are also eligible can affect the amount you receive.

A Winter Fuel Payment does not count as income when working out your entitlement to other benefits.

Applies to: England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Scotland. (From winter 2025/26, Social Security Scotland will be making payments through their new benefit, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment). 

Age rules: You will qualify for your first Winter Fuel Payment when you reach Pension age.

Type of benefit: Non-means-tested. You do not have to have paid National Insurance contributions.

Taxable: No

Administered by: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) , Social Security Scotland (SSS), Department for Communities (DfC).