When is Winter Fuel Payment 2025 UK
The Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) is one of the most recognisable benefits in the UK’s social support system. Designed to help older citizens manage the extra costs of heating in the colder months, it is paid once a year and follows a defined timetable.
For winter 2025/26, some changes in eligibility and administration make it important to know when payments will be made, how the schedule works, and what to do if you do not receive it on time.
Payment Schedule for 2025/26
Most eligible pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically. The usual flow is:
- Letters sent in October or November 2025: these letters confirm the amount you will get and which bank or building society account the payment will go to.
- Payments made in November or December 2025: for the majority, the money will be in your account before the end of the year.
- Final deadline – 28 January 2026: if you have not received either the letter or the money by this date, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
This schedule ensures support reaches people in time for the coldest part of winter, while still leaving a window for corrections or claims.
Qualifying Week: September 2025
Eligibility for the 2025/26 payment depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week of 15 to 21 September 2025. If you were born on or before 21 September 1959, you meet the age condition.
Other factors include where you live and whether you already receive certain benefits. In some cases, exclusions apply, for example if you were in hospital for the entire week or living abroad without qualifying conditions.
The qualifying week acts as a snapshot, determining both whether you qualify and how much you receive.
Eligibility and Income Rule
From winter 2025 onwards, eligibility has been broadened again. All pensioners of the right age can receive the Winter Fuel Payment, even if they are not on Pension Credit or other benefits. However, there is a new income reclaim mechanism:
- If your annual income is above £35,000, HMRC will reclaim the amount later.
- If you do not wish to receive the payment, you can opt out.
- For most households, the payment remains a tax-free lump sum worth between £100 and £300, depending on circumstances such as age and household composition.
This change makes the payment more universal again, while introducing fairness for higher earners.
Claiming: Automatic or By Request
Most people do not need to apply, as the money is paid automatically if you are eligible. But there are cases where you must claim:
- You did not receive the payment in previous years.
- You have never claimed before.
- You live abroad in a qualifying country.
- You defer your State Pension.
How to claim in 2025/26:
- By post: from 15 September 2025, using form WFP1. Send it to Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1LR.
- By phone: from 13 October 2025, by calling 0800 731 0160 (Mon–Fri, 8am to 6pm).
- Deadline: claims must be submitted by 31 March 2026.
You will need your National Insurance number, date of birth, current address, and bank details.
Scotland: Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
Since the devolution of this policy, Scotland runs its own scheme called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP). Although it replaces the UK Winter Fuel Payment, the aims are the same: providing seasonal support for heating costs.
- Letters sent in November 2025 to eligible pensioners.
- Payments begin in November 2025, continuing throughout the winter months.
- Amounts typically range from £101.70 to £305.10, depending on individual circumstances.
- Payments go to the same account where State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefits are received.
If you do not receive your payment, you can call 0800 182 2222 or request a form via Social Security Scotland. Their mailing address is PO Box 10326, Dundee, DD1 9HB.
Timeline Snapshot (2025/26)
| Event | Date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Week | 15–21 September 2025 | Determines eligibility and rate |
| Postal claims open | 15 September 2025 | Form WFP1 available |
| Telephone claims open | 13 October 2025 | Helpline 0800 731 0160 |
| Letters sent | October–November 2025 | Confirm amount and account |
| Payments made | November–December 2025 | Deposited automatically |
| Contact if not paid | 28 January 2026 | Call Winter Fuel Payment Centre |
| Claim deadline | 31 March 2026 | Last chance to apply |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will I get in 2025?
Between £100 and £300, depending on age and living arrangements. In Scotland, similar ranges apply under PAWHP.
2. Do I need to apply?
Not if you have received it before. Only new claimants or special circumstances (like living abroad) need to apply.
3. When will I know the exact amount?
A letter will be sent in October or November 2025, showing your entitlement.
4. What if I don’t get paid?
If you have not received your money by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
5. Is the Scottish scheme different?
Yes. In Scotland, it is called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and is run by Social Security Scotland, but the timetable and amounts are similar.