Millions of pensioners are set to receive a crucial letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that will determine their financial support this winter. Around nine million pensioners could be in line to receive up to £300 through the Winter Fuel Payment, a scheme designed to provide extra financial help during the colder months.
Despite initial plans to slash the scheme, a government U-turn has ensured many remain eligible. Those born before 22 September 1959 can expect to receive between £100 and £300 to help with the increased cost of heating throughout the chillier period.
Meanwhile, those aged between 66 and 79 could pocket as much as £200, while those aged 80 and over could receive the full £300.
When will I find out how much I can get?
Typically, those who qualify will receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount they can expect to receive. This letter will outline the exact sum you will receive from the DWP through the Winter Payment, as well as which bank account it will be sent to.
What if I do not receive a letter?
Official guidance advises waiting until 28 January 2026 to receive a Winter Fuel Payment letter. If you have not received one by this date, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Before getting in touch, you’ll need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. The centre can be reached by dialling 0800 731 0160 or sending a letter to:
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959, and live in England or Wales. Government guidance states: “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 if you:
- Were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
- Were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- lLve outside England and Wales
When you will get paid
The majority of people will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualify, but anyone who does not receive it but believes they should can check whether they can submit a claim. The deadline to apply for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026.
The DWP said: “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.”