Overview

• Most people born on or before 22 September 1959 will get a one‑off £100–£300 Winter Fuel Payment, with around nine million pensioners in England and Wales due automatic letters in October–November and payments in November–December.
• Payment amounts depend on age and household circumstances, including special rules for couples and people in care homes, with some long‑term care residents on certain benefits not qualifying if they were in care for the full period from 23 June 2025.
• Those who do not get paid automatically can claim by post now or by phone from Monday, 13 October, via the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160, with a final claim deadline of 31 March 2026.
• In Scotland, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces the UK scheme with rates of £101.70, £203.40 or £305.10, paid automatically from November, and an online opt‑out available until Friday, 10 October.
• HMRC will later recover payments from people with taxable income above £35,000 by changing PAYE tax codes for 2026–27 or by adding the amount to 2025–26 Self Assessment.