Winter Fuel Payment
Overview
If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take back your Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system.
You can opt out of getting the Winter Fuel Payment if you do not want to receive it.
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.
Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025.
If you live in Northern Ireland
You might be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment from the Northern Irish Government. Eligibility rules will be the same as for England and Wales. This will be paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you live in Scotland
You cannot get a Winter Fuel Payment. You might be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating payment.
Other help with heating bills
You could also get:
- a Cold Weather Payment - if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees celsius or below for 7 days in a row
- the Warm Home Discount - this is a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household
- help from the Household Support Fund, if you’re eligible under your local council’s rules