The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed new dates for households to claim the £300 Winter Fuel Payment for the 2025–2026 winter season.
While around nine million pensioners in England and Wales will receive the payment automatically, some households will need to make a claim. The scheme is designed to provide additional financial support to older people during the colder months, helping with rising heating and energy costs.
What Is the £300 Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off payment issued by the DWP to eligible pensioners to cover heating expenses during winter. The amount varies depending on personal circumstances and date of birth, ranging between £100 and £300.
For winter 2025–2026, payments will be made between November and December 2025, with letters sent out in advance confirming the exact amount.
Important Claim Dates for 2025
The DWP has set specific dates for households who need to submit a claim:
- By post – applications open September 15, 2025.
- By phone – applications open October 13, 2025.
- Deadline – claims must be submitted by March 31, 2026.
Those who qualify automatically will not need to apply.
Who Qualifies Automatically?
Most pensioners will not need to take any action as payments are issued automatically if you receive any of the following benefits:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA – income-related)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA – income-based)
- Attendance Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- War Pensions Scheme benefits
- Income Support
If you are in one of these groups, the payment will be deposited directly into your bank account without needing to apply.
Who Needs to Claim the £300 Payment?
There are two groups of people who must make a claim:
- Those who live abroad in certain countries but still qualify under UK residency rules.
- Those who have never previously received the Winter Fuel Payment and are not currently receiving a qualifying benefit.
When You Will Not Be Eligible
Not all pensioners qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. You will not be eligible if you:
- Were in prison during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025).
- Were receiving free hospital treatment for the whole of the qualifying week and the same week the previous year.
- Live outside England and Wales (separate rules apply in Scotland).
- Need permission to stay in the UK but your visa or residence permit states “no recourse to public funds.”
Payment Amounts for Winter 2025–2026
The amount of Winter Fuel Payment you receive depends on your age and circumstances.
| Date of Birth | Living Alone / No Eligible Person | Living with Another Eligible Person |
|---|---|---|
| Born before 22 Sept 1945 | £300 | £150 each |
| Born 22 Sept 1945 – 21 Sept 1959 | £200 | £100 each |
For those on Pension Credit, income-based ESA, JSA, or UC, the payment may be higher as only one person in a couple receives the full amount.
Scam Warnings for Pensioners
The DWP has issued fraud warnings, urging pensioners to be cautious of scams. Official claims can only be made:
- By post.
- By telephone.
If you receive a text message, email, or online link asking you to claim or share bank details, it is a scam. Pensioners are advised to report suspicious messages immediately.
The £300 Winter Fuel Payment is a crucial form of support for pensioners facing rising energy costs this winter. While most will receive it automatically, some households must submit claims by March 31, 2026. Staying aware of eligibility, deadlines, and potential scams ensures pensioners receive the support they are entitled to without disruption.
FAQs
Who automatically gets the £300 Winter Fuel Payment?
Anyone born before 22 September 1959 who already receives the State Pension or other qualifying benefits.
What if I live abroad?
You may still qualify if you live in certain European countries, but you will need to submit a claim.
When will I receive the payment?
Most pensioners will receive their Winter Fuel Payment between November and December 2025.