Overview

• Letters to more than nine million households in England and Wales start going out today, confirming Winter Fuel Payments of £100–£300 due mainly in November and December.
• Most eligible people will be paid automatically, while others must claim by post now or by phone from 13 October, with a final deadline of 31 March 2026.
• HMRC will recover Winter Fuel Payments from recipients whose taxable income exceeds £35,000.
• Cold Weather Payments are confirmed at £25 for each seven‑day spell at or below 0°C between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026, with payments issued within 14 working days to the usual benefit account.
• Officials warn about scam messages seeking personal details, and note that Scotland operates a separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment via Social Security Scotland.