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.

If your annual income is more than £35,000, then you will be required to pay back the full Winter Fuel Payment amount. This will be done by HMRC after the payment has been made. 

Most payments will be made automatically in November and December 2025.

Each winter, you could get between £100 and £300, but the amount depends on your personal situation. Things like your age or whether you live with other people who also qualify can change how much you get. 

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

Applies to: England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (The Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland) 

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) , Department for Communities (DfC).