The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially announced that applications for the 2025 Winter Fuel Payment will open this September.
This financial assistance aims to help pensioners manage rising heating costs during the colder months. While most will receive the benefit automatically, certain individuals must submit a claim either by post or phone.
Key Application Dates for Winter Fuel Payment
Eligible pensioners who need to submit a claim can do so starting:
| Method | Start Date | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Post | September 15, 2025 | March 31, 2026 |
| Phone | October 13, 2025 | March 31, 2026 |
Applications will close on March 31, 2026, marking the deadline to apply for the 2025-2026 winter season.
Who Will Receive the Payment Automatically?
Approximately nine million pensioners will automatically receive their £300 Winter Fuel Payment without needing to apply. You do not need to submit a claim if you receive any of the following:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- War Pensions Scheme
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- DWP Industrial Death Benefit
Who Needs to Claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
You must make a claim if both the following apply:
- You do not currently receive any of the qualifying benefits mentioned above.
- You either:
- Have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or
- Deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
The only ways to apply are through post (from September 15) or phone (from October 13).
Eligibility Criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment
To qualify, individuals must have reached State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week, which typically falls in September.
How Much Will You Receive?
The value of the Winter Fuel Payment depends on your age and household circumstances:
| Age Group | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 80 | £200 per household |
| Aged 80 or over | £300 per household |
For those not receiving income-related benefits, the payment may be shared if more than one eligible person lives in the same household.
The 2025 Winter Fuel Payment offers vital support to pensioners facing high winter energy costs. While most recipients will get their payment automatically, some need to actively submit claims either by post starting September 15 or by phone from October 13.
If you’re not currently receiving a qualifying benefit or have never claimed before, ensure your application is submitted before March 31, 2026. Understanding your eligibility and acting promptly could help you secure up to £300 to ease the burden of winter expenses.
FAQs
How do I know if I need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment?
You need to apply if you haven’t received it before or if you’ve deferred your State Pension and don’t receive any qualifying benefits.
Can I apply for Winter Fuel Payment online?
No, the DWP only accepts applications by post or over the phone—online applications are not available.
What happens if I miss the March 31, 2026 deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you will not receive the payment for the 2025–2026 winter season. It’s crucial to apply on time.