Winter Fuel Payment up to £300 starts in November

The Department for Work and Pensions will start sending Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300 to eligible pensioners in England and Wales from November, the department has confirmed, as the government rolls out extra help to cover rising heating costs this winter. Around nine million people born on or before 22 September 1959 may receive between £100 and £300 depending on their age and household circumstances, with most payments issued automatically in November and December.

Eligibility is determined by a claimant's circumstances during the qualifying week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and by age. Households including someone aged 80 or over will generally receive the higher entitlement, and single households where no one else qualifies may also receive the full amount. Pensioners with annual taxable income above £35,000 will initially receive payments but the department has said HM Revenue and Customs may reclaim those sums through PAYE or Self Assessment. Those who do not normally receive State Pension or other qualifying benefits, or who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before or have deferred their State Pension, must make a claim. Claim forms are available by post from...