DWP Confirms Winter Fuel Payment Worth £300 Can Be Claimed Within Weeks

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of pensioners across England and Wales will receive the £300 Winter Fuel Payment this year.

This payment aims to help older people cover heating costs during the colder months, offering vital support at a time when energy prices remain high. Here’s everything you need to know, including eligibility, payment dates, amounts, and how to claim.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment provided to older people to help with heating bills during the winter.

It has been a long-standing benefit, but recent changes mean the amount and eligibility rules have been updated to better target those who need it most.

Who is Eligible for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment?

To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must meet certain criteria:

• You must have been born on or before 21 September 1959.
• You must have been living in England or Wales during the qualifying week in September 2025.
• You will usually receive the payment automatically if you are getting certain benefits such as the State Pension, Pension Credit, or other qualifying benefits.
• Those not receiving these benefits may need to make a claim.

Important: People with annual taxable incomes above £35,000 will still receive the payment but will have it recovered through the tax system.

How Much Will You Receive?

The amount you get depends on your age and living situation.

Living Situation	Amount (£)
Aged 80+ and living alone	£300
Aged 80+ living with someone under 80 who also qualifies	£200
Both aged 80+ living together	£150
Under 80 and living alone or only one qualifying person	£200
Under 80 living with another qualifying person under 80	£100
Care home resident (under 80, with qualifying benefits)	£0
Care home resident (80+, no qualifying benefits)	£150

Payment Dates

The DWP has confirmed that letters will be sent out in October and November 2025 to let you know how much you will get.

Payments will be made between November and December 2025 directly into your bank account. If you do not receive the payment by January 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

How to Claim the Winter Fuel Payment

If you already receive State Pension or other qualifying benefits, you don’t need to do anything – the payment will be made automatically.

If you do not receive these benefits:

• You can claim by post from 15 September 2025.
• You can claim by phone from 13 October 2025.
• The deadline to claim is 31 March 2026.

High Income Rule – What You Need to Know

If your taxable income is more than £35,000 per year, you will still receive the payment, but HMRC will recover it through the tax system, either via PAYE (if you are employed) or through Self Assessment.

Watch Out for Scams

The announcement of the Winter Fuel Payment has led to a rise in fraud attempts, with scammers sending texts and emails claiming you must apply via a link.
Remember:

• The DWP will never ask for your bank details by text or email.
• Ignore and delete suspicious messages.
• Report scams immediately if you receive them.

Quick Reference

Detail	Information
Amount	£100–£300
Eligibility Date of Birth	On or before 21 September 1959
Payment Period	November–December 2025
Automatic Payment	Yes, if on State Pension or qualifying benefits
Claim Required?	Yes, if not on benefits
High Income Recovery	Over £35,000 income – recovered through tax
Claim Deadline	31 March 2026

The £300 Winter Fuel Payment is a welcome support for millions of pensioners facing rising energy costs this winter. By knowing the eligibility rules, payment dates, and claim process, you can make sure you don’t miss out.

Whether your payment is £100, £200, or £300, it can help reduce the financial pressure of keeping your home warm during the coldest months of the year. Always stay alert to scams and ensure your details are up to date so your payment arrives on time.

FAQs