The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced its winter support package for pensioners, confirming payments of up to £305 to help with heating costs this winter. This payment, part of the broader Winter Fuel Payment scheme, aims to ease the burden of rising energy bills and cold-weather costs for older adults. Here is everything you need to know: how much you could receive, who qualifies, how the system works, and what to do to claim or check your eligibility.
What is the Winter Heating Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free lump sum designed to help pension-age households with the additional cost of heating their homes during colder months. The payment is typically made in November or December and is meant to assist with energy bills, keeping warm, and other winter related household costs.
For the 2025/26 season, the scheme has been amended with new eligibility and income rules. The headline amounts are up to £200 for many households or £300/£305 in certain circumstances. In Scotland, the equivalent is the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment where amounts of up to £305.10 have been identified.
How Much Will Pensioners Get?
The payment amount depends on your age, the age of anyone you live with, your benefit-status, whether you live alone, and if you live in a care home. Examples of amounts for England and Wales include:
- If you were born before 22 September 1945, you could get approximately £300 if you live alone (or are the only eligible person in the household) this winter.
- If you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, one figure is £200 for households where you live alone.
- In Scotland, the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment ranges between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on age and circumstances.
While the up-to figure of £305 reflects the higher end of payment (especially in Scotland) the key message is that many pensioners can expect hundreds of pounds toward their heating costs this winter.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Winter Heating Payment you must meet a number of criteria:
- You must have reached State Pension age by the end of the “qualifying week” which for winter 2025/26 is the week beginning 15 September 2025.
- You must have lived in the UK (or certain other qualifying countries) for at least one day during that qualifying week.
- You must not have been in hospital getting full free in-patient care for the whole of that week.
- Your annual taxable income must be at or below a threshold (currently £35,000) in order to keep the payment without it being reclaimed.
- There are rules for care-home residents too: if you live in a care home for the entire qualifying period and receive certain means-tested benefits, your eligibility might differ.
The DWP states that most people who meet the age and residency criteria will get the payment automatically, but it pays to check especially if your circumstances are complex.
How and When Payment Is Made
- Payments are made into the bank or building-society account into which you typically receive your State Pension (or other qualifying benefit).
- A letter will usually arrive in October or November telling you how much you will receive.
- The deadline to claim if you have to apply (for example you’ve never received the payment before) is 31 March 2026 for Winter 2025/26.
- If you believe you are eligible but have not received the payment by late January 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Why the £305 Figure Matters
The figure of up to £305 is significant because it shows the maximum level of payment available under the scheme in certain parts of the UK (notably Scotland) or where higher age thresholds apply. It signals stronger support for older pensioners facing higher heating and winter costs.
It also reflects policy changes introduced after 2024: previously the payment had become much more restricted, but the government reversed those changes, broadening eligibility and increasing payments for certain groups.
What Has Changed for 2025/26?
- The income threshold has been clarified: pensioners with taxable income above £35,000 will have the payment reclaimed via the tax system (unless they opt out) rather than getting full benefit.
- Eligibility no longer strictly depends on receiving certain means-tested benefits; the criteria have been broadened.
- The payment amounts (e.g., £200 / £300) are confirmed for much of the UK, with variations in Scotland.
- The payment is automatic in many cases, but you must keep your bank details up to date and ensure you meet the age and residency criteria.
How to Make Sure You Get It
Here are some steps:
- Check you have reached State Pension age by the qualifying week (15-21 Sept 2025).
- Ensure your UK residency conditions are met for that week.
- Keep your bank/building society account details updated with the DWP or HMRC, as required.
- If you get a letter in October/November, read it carefully and check the amount and payment date.
- If you believe you are eligible but do not receive the payment by January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
- Beware of scams: the DWP will never ask you by text or email for your bank details to receive your payment.
Overview Table
| Feature | Detail | Notes | Impact | Who Benefits | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payment amount | Up to £305 | Max amount for some eligible households | Greater winter income | Older pensioners | Nov/Dec 2025 |
| Eligibility age | Born on or before 21 Sept 1959 | State Pension age cut-off | Defines who qualifies | Pension-age individuals | Qualifying week 15-21 Sept 2025 |
| Income threshold | £35,000 taxable income | Above this repayment via tax | Income groups targeted | Higher-income pensioners excluded | From tax year 2025/26 |
| Payment method | Bank transfer | Usual benefit account | Ease of payment | Most recipients | Automatic Nov-Dec 2025 |
| Claim deadline | 31 March 2026 | For those needing to claim manually | Important for those who deferred | Pensioners not automatically paid | Post-Nov 2025 |
| Changes vs previous years | Broadened eligibility, means-testing introduced | Reversal of previous cuts | More pensioners supported | Pensioners in UK | Winter 2025/26 |
FAQs
1. How much can I receive under the Winter Heating Payment in 2025/26?
You could get up to £305, depending on your age, living situation and income.
2. Do I need to apply for the payment this winter?
In most cases no — the payment is automatic if you are eligible, though you must keep your details updated.
3. What happens if my taxable income is over £35,000?
If your taxable income exceeds £35,000 your Winter Fuel Payment may be reclaimed via your tax code or self-assessment.