As energy bills continue to rise and colder months approach, the restoration of the Winter Fuel Payment for more pensioners in 2025 offers a welcome source of relief.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment from the UK government to support older people with their winter energy bills. Depending on your age and living situation, you could receive between £200 and £300, usually in the months of November or December.
The government will typically deposit payments into the same bank account where other benefit payments go. Receiving this payment does not impact your eligibility for other benefits.
Originally introduced as a universal benefit, it was made means-tested in 2024. This decision reduced the number of recipients from around 11 million to just 1.5 million, triggering widespread public and political criticism.
The government announced that eligibility will be expanded for winter 2025/26, but it will not return to being universal. The government is likely to confirm full details on the new eligibility thresholds in the Autumn Budget. We will update information as soon as it is available.
Who Will Get the Fuel Payment in Winter 2025?
You may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025 if:
- You were born on or before 22nd September 1959
- You live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- Your eligibility is based on age and having a taxable income of £35,000 or less
- Those with income above £35,000 may still receive the payment, but HMRC will reclaim it through the tax system
You might also qualify if you live in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, provided you meet the additional conditions. Note that residents in Scotland will receive a separate payment through the Scottish Government.
However, you will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if:
- You have been in hospital receiving free treatment for over 12 months
- You were in prison during the qualifying week
- You lived in a care home from 23rd June to 21st September 2025 and received benefits
These conditions help ensure the payment goes to those who need it most.
How Much Will You Get?
Your payment depends on your age and living situation during the qualifying week:
- If You Live Alone
- £200 if born between 23rd September 1944 and 22nd September 1959
- £300 if born before 23rd September 1944
- If You Live With Another Eligible Person
- £200 if either of you were born between 23rd September 1944 and 22nd September 1959
- £300 if either of you were born before 23rd September 1944
- If no one in the household receives a qualifying benefit, the amount may be split and taxable separately for higher-income individuals
- If You Live In A Care Home
- You could receive £200 and £300, depending on your age, if you have lived in the home for less than 13 weeks and meet benefit criteria
The government will deposit payments directly into the same account used for receiving other benefits.
2025 Restoration of the Winter Fuel Payment
In 2024, eligibility was restricted to those receiving means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit. This led to a sharp drop in the number of recipients. In response to strong public feedback, the government reversed course.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced plans to expand eligibility for 2025, though the payment will not return to being fully universal. Officials argue that wealthier pensioners should not receive the same support intended for those in financial difficulty.
For winter 2025/26, all pensioners with a taxable income of £35,000 or less will automatically qualify. Those above this threshold may still receive the payment upfront, but HMRC will reclaim it through the tax system.
One proposal is to provide the payment upfront to all qualifying pensioners and reclaim it through the tax system from those with higher income, similar to the current management of Child Benefit.
The government is likely to confirm full details on the new eligibility thresholds in the Autumn Budget. We will update information as soon as it is available.
When Will You Get Paid?
Eligible pensioners can expect a letter in October or November confirming the payment amount and bank details. The government will usually make payments in November or December.
If you believe you are eligible but have not received a letter by the end of November, check your bank account. If your payment does not arrive by 29th January 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. They can also confirm your eligibility and guide you on next steps.
Winter Fuel Payment Centre – 0800 731 0160 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
Do You Need to Make a Claim?
Most eligible recipients will receive the payment automatically if they meet the requirements.
You will need to claim if:
- You live abroad in an eligible EEA country or Switzerland
- You do not receive any qualifying benefits but believe you meet all criteria
You can make a claim by post or by phone, and you will need your National Insurance number, bank details and any relevant benefit information.
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