Winter Fuel Payment 2025/26: What You Need to Know
As energy bills remain high for the fifth year in a row and the colder months approach, the Winter Fuel Payment continues to be a vital lifeline for pensioners across the UK. Last year, we saw a record number of people visit our blog to check their eligibility, and as experts in home energy, we know it’s still a concern for many this year. However, things are looking much more positive this time around.
In this blog, we have broken down what we know so far about the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025/26 including who’s eligible, how much you might get, and when to expect it. We’ve also included details about the LEAP service, which can give you extra help with managing your home energy and staying warm this winter.
What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a government scheme designed to help pensioners cover their energy bills during the colder months. It’s usually paid automatically and can be worth between £100 and £300 depending on your age and circumstances.
What’s New for Winter 2025/26?
Last winter, only low-income pensioners receiving Pension Credit qualified for the payment. This caused a lot of concern, with many – potentially hundreds of thousands – missing out on much needed support.
This year, the government has extended the payment to all pensioners in England and Wales with a taxable income of £35,000 or less. That means over 9 million people could benefit from a one-off payment of £200 or £300.
If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, the rules may be different. Please check your local government’s website for details.
Martin Lewis explains the latest Winter Fuel Payment details in this helpful video.
Who Is Eligible and When Will You Get It?
To qualify in England or Wales, you must:
- Be born before 22 September 1959
- Have a taxable income of £35,000 or less
If you qualify, you’ll receive a letter in October or November 2025, confirming the amount. Payments will be made in November or December, directly into your bank account.
If you don’t receive a letter in the post by November, but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim here.
You don’t need to apply or do anything. The payment is made automatically. Please be cautious of scams asking you to “apply” or share personal information online or by phone.
How Much Will You Get?
| Living Situation | Date of Birth | Amount |
| If you live alone | Born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 | £200 |
| Born before 22 September 1945 | £300 | |
| If you live with someone else who’s eligible | Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits: – Pension Credit – Universal Credit – income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – Income Support | |
| If you do not get any of the benefits | If you and the person you live with were both born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 | £100 |
| If you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 but the person you live with was born before 22 September 1945 | £100 | |
| If you were born before 22 September 1945 but the person you live with was born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 | £200 | |
| If you and the person you live with were born before 22 September 1945 | £150 | |
| If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits One of you will get a payment of either: | If both of you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 | £200 (paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into) |
| If one or both of you were born before 22 September 1945 | £300 (paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into) | |
| If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim) | Born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 | £200 |
| Born before 22 September 1945 | £300 | |
| If you live in a care home | Born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959 | £100 |
| Born before 22 September 1945 | £150 |
What If Your Income Is Over £35,000?
HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either:
- adding the amount to your 2025 to 2026 Self Assessment tax return
- changing your tax code for the 2026 to 2027 tax year
How can we help you?
If you’re struggling with your energy costs, the LEAP (Local Energy Advice Partnership) service could help. If you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, there’s a good chance you’re also eligible for a free home energy visit. And if you receive Pension Guarantee Credit or Pension Savings Credit, you’re also very likely to qualify for LEAP’s free support.
LEAP is a completely free home energy support service designed to help pensioners and older residents stay warm, comfortable, and in control of their energy bills.
If you’re eligible, one of our friendly Home Energy Advisors will visit you at home to carry out a full energy check. They’ll offer easy, practical advice on how to save energy and may fit helpful items straight away like LED lightbulbs, radiator panels, or draught-proofing – all at no cost to you.
LEAP can also help you:
- Switch to a cheaper energy tariff
- Access other support schemes and local services
- Understand how to use your heating and appliances more efficiently
- Check if you’re eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
Many people who use LEAP save hundreds of pounds a year, and most importantly, feel more confident and comfortable in their homes.
ABOUT US
Green Energy Switch (GES) delivers a broad range of energy services across the UK. We specialise in working with social landlords and local authorities. Established in 2006, GES is a subsidiary of environmental charity PECT. We gift-aid any profits to PECT to help fund their vital work. In doing so, we are the lead sponsor of their Forest project. They have planted over 131,000 trees so far. Which equates to a remarkable reduction of over 1,300 tonnes of carbon emission.
Useful Links
Winter Fuel Payment 2024/25: What you need to know
Winter Fuel Payment criteria confirmed – MSE analysis
What is the winter fuel payment worth and who will get it? – BBC News
Bus fares to jobs: Seven ways the Spending Review affects you – BBC News
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