Winter fuel payments worth up to £300 are set to land in the bank accounts of eligible individuals in January. This annual tax-free payment is intended to assist with heating costs during the winter months.
Previously, anyone over state pension age was eligible for these payments, but now it’s means-tested, with only pensioners receiving certain benefits being eligible. Approximately ten million pensioners will not receive a payment this year due to changes implemented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Charities, including Age UK, have expressed concern about this decision. Most households received the money in November and December but payments are still being rolled out. Here’s everything you need to know about the winter fuel payment, including the new eligibility criteria. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Who is eligible for a winter fuel payment?
You can get a winter fuel payment for winter 2025 if you were born before September 23, 1958. You must also live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and get one of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You’ll also need to have been getting a benefit during the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024.
How to claim
Most people get the winter fuel payment automatically if they’re eligible.
You do not need to claim if you get any of the following:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
You can call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 if you’re not sure if you’re eligible.
How much you’ll get if you are eligible.
The winter fuel payment you receive is dependent on your birth date and circumstances during the qualifying week. If you live alone, you’ll receive either:
- £200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944
If you live with someone, and both of you claim any of the benefits jointly, one of you will receive a payment of either:
- £200 if one or both of you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958
- £300 if one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944
Other help available
In addition to the winter fuel payment, there are other schemes available to assist those struggling with heating bills.
If you’re receiving certain benefits and the temperature falls to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, you could be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment worth £25. More information on this, including full eligibility criteria, can be found here.
The Warm Home Discount is another scheme offering a £150 discount on your bills if you’re receiving Pension Credit or living in a low-income household.