Winter Fuel Payments: What is Happening (and What to Avoid)

There’s been a few changes to the Winter Fuel Payment situation over the past year, so let’s walk you through what’s actually happening now, and how to steer clear of the pitfalls we’re already seeing.

The scheme this year (the short version)

For winter 2025-26, most people who qualify will receive £100-£300 towards heating costs, and most payments arrive in November or December. You’ll get a letter first, telling you how much and which account it will go into.

Eligibility is based on age and where you live during the qualifying week (15-21 September 2025). In England and Wales, you’re eligible if you were born before 22 September 1959, with some exceptions (for example, if you were in hospital or prison for the whole of the qualifying week).

The payment is made to all eligible pension-age households in England and Wales, but HMRC will recover it through the tax system if your income is over £35,000. If that applies to you, you may see your tax code change from April 2026 or be asked to settle it via Self Assessment. The deadline to opt out for this winter has now passed (15 September 2025), but you can still opt in again up to 31 March 2026 if you had previously opted out, and you can opt out for 2026-27 from 1 April 2026.

If you live in Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. In Northern Ireland, similar rules apply but the payment is delivered by the NI Executive.

Who needs to claim (and how?)

Most eligible people are paid automatically, especially if you receive State Pension or certain benefits. You’ll need to claim only if you’ve never had a Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you deferred your State Pension since your last payment. Claims by post open from 15 September, and by phone from 13 October. The final date to claim for this winter is 31 March 2026. The Winter Fuel Payment Centre helpline is 0800 731 0160.

Securing your payment: try these steps

Check you meet the basics such as age cut-off, and that you were in England or Wales during the qualifying week. If you’re in Scotland or NI, check the local scheme instead.
Watch for the letter; it should arrive in October or November. If nothing has landed and you think you qualify, call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
First-timers and those who’ve deferred State Pension should claim by post or phone. Have your NI number, bank details and marital status date ready.
If your income may exceed £35,000, you can’t opt out for this winter now, so budget for HMRC to recover the payment via tax (LEAP can help you plan for that.)
Amounts and eligibility can vary if you live in a care home or were in hospital/prison for the whole qualifying week; check the GOV.UK pages or ask LEAP.

Avoiding scams: red flags to look for

Sadly, scam texts are already circulating, pretending to be from “DWP” or offering a “Winter Heating Allowance” with links and instructions to reply “Y”. Do not click links or share bank details. DWP will not text you asking for payment details to release your Winter Fuel Payment.

Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 and forward phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). If in doubt, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre using the official GOV.UK details.