Overview

• Most people born before 22 September 1959 will get £100–£300 automatically in November or December, with notification letters arriving in October and November.
• Postal claims opened on 15 September, phone claims open on Monday 13 October via the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160, and the application deadline is 31 March 2026, with officials urging people to use only GOV.UK or the helpline due to scams.
• Pensioners with taxable income above £35,000 will have some or all of the payment reclaimed through adjusted tax codes or Self Assessment, with HMRC planning to spread deductions and warning that two years’ amounts may be collected in 2026/27.
• Care‑home residents are not eligible if they received certain income‑related benefits and were in care for the whole period from 23 June 2025 through the qualifying week of 15–21 September.
• Scotland operates separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payments with rates of £101.70 to £305.10, paid automatically from November, and an opt‑out deadline set for Friday 10 October.