DWP Confirms Extra £300 Winter Fuel Payment for 2025–26 – Who Qualifies, Payment Dates and Full Details

With energy bills and household expenses still weighing heavily on UK pensioners, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that older residents will receive an additional £300 top-up alongside the regular Winter Fuel Payment during the 2025–26 winter season.

This boost is part of the government’s ongoing effort to help pensioners manage rising living costs and stay warm during the colder months. For many, the Winter Fuel Payment remains a crucial financial lifeline — one that can make the difference between comfort and hardship when temperatures drop.

What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment made by the government to help pensioners cover heating costs during winter.

Usually paid between November and January, it ranges from £100 to £300, depending on age and household circumstances. In recent years, the government has added a “Pensioner Cost of Living” top-up, which will once again apply in 2025–26.

That means many eligible pensioners could receive up to £600 in total, combining the standard payment with the new £300 boost.

Why the Extra £300 Payment Matters

While inflation has eased slightly since its peak in 2022–23, the cost of energy remains significantly higher than before the crisis. Many retirees living on fixed incomes continue to feel financial pressure, especially during winter when heating bills rise sharply.

The £300 top-up aims to:

• Offset higher energy prices, ensuring homes remain safely heated.
• Offer reassurance and stability amid continued cost-of-living pressures.
• Protect health and wellbeing by reducing cold-related health risks.

This payment helps pensioners stay warm and independent, reducing the likelihood of health problems linked to living in cold conditions.

Who Qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment 2025–26?

Eligibility is based on age and UK residence.

To qualify for the 2025–26 Winter Fuel Payment, you must:

• Have been born before 23 September 1959, and
• Have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week (usually in late September 2025).

Some pensioners living abroad may still qualify if they live in a cold-weather country (for example, Switzerland or Norway), but those residing in warmer countries such as Spain or Portugal will not be eligible.

How Much Will You Receive?

The total amount you receive depends on your age and living situation.

Ages 66 to 79

• Living alone: £500 (includes the £300 top-up).
• Living with another eligible person: £250 each.

Ages 80 and Above

• Living alone: £600 (includes the £300 top-up).
• Living with another eligible pensioner: £300 each.

Amounts may differ slightly if you receive other benefits, such as Pension Credit, but these are the general figures confirmed by the DWP.

Living Situations That Can Affect Your Payment

• Living Alone: You receive the full amount for your age group.
• Living with Another Eligible Pensioner: The amount is shared.
• Living in a Care Home: You may receive a reduced amount if you also get income-based benefits such as Pension Credit, ESA, or JSA.
• Living Abroad: Payments are only available in select countries with comparable cold-weather climates.

These rules ensure the payment targets those most in need of heating support during the winter.

Automatic Payments – Do You Need to Apply?

Most pensioners do not need to apply.

If you already receive the State Pension or another DWP benefit such as Pension Credit, ESA, or JSA, the payment will be made automatically into your bank or building society account.

However, if you have never claimed before and are not receiving the State Pension, you will need to submit a claim.
The DWP Winter Fuel Payment claim line usually opens in September and runs until late January.

When Will Payments Be Made?

Payments are generally issued between November and January each year.

For the 2025–26 winter season, the DWP is expected to start sending payments from mid-November 2025, continuing until early January 2026.

Payments will be made directly into your bank account, often on the same day as your pension or benefit payment. The transaction reference typically includes “DWP WFP” (Winter Fuel Payment).

How to Check If You’re Eligible

If you’re unsure whether you qualify:

• Check your date of birth (born before 23 September 1959).
• Review your living situation (alone, with a partner, or in care).
• Confirm your benefit status (State Pension or other DWP benefits).

You can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre for guidance if you do not receive the payment automatically.

Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment

Receiving Pension Credit does not affect your Winter Fuel Payment — and may, in fact, increase your overall financial support.

Pension Credit recipients often qualify for additional help, including:

• Cold Weather Payments
• The Warm Home Discount
• Help with NHS and prescription costs

Checking eligibility for Pension Credit is vital, as it can open access to multiple forms of support beyond the Winter Fuel Payment.

Common Questions

1. Will the £300 top-up continue every year?
The extra £300 has been confirmed for winter 2025–26. Future payments will depend on energy prices and government policy.

2. What if I move house or change my bank details?
Notify the DWP immediately to avoid delays in your payment.

3. Do I pay tax on this payment?
No. The Winter Fuel Payment is tax-free and does not affect other benefits.

4. What if I don’t get my payment?
If your payment hasn’t arrived by 15 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to report the issue.