The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that nine million people born before 22 September 1959 will receive between £100 and £300 to assist with the increased cost of heating during the colder months. Eligible pensioners will automatically receive Winter Fuel Payments in November or December.

Updated guidance on GOV.UK also indicates that letters will be sent out in October and November, informing pensioners of the amount they can anticipate receiving. The qualifying period for the payment - determined by age and household circumstances - is from September 15 to 21.

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It's crucial for elderly individuals in Scotland to note that they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been superseded by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This follows similar eligibility criteria to the DWP, but will be automatically issued by Social Security Scotland on 30 November.

You are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 22 September 1959 and reside in England or Wales, reports the Daily Record.

When you will not be eligible

You will not be eligible if you:

• live outside England and Wales
• were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
• need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
• were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025

If you live in a care home

You can receive a Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home, however, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply:

• you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier

Payments

DWP guidance states: "You'll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you'll get, if you're eligible. If you do not get a letter but think you're eligible, check if you need to make a claim."

Be vigilant, as fraudsters may attempt to deceive you into making a claim via text message, urging you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP communication and should be disregarded.

If you believe you need to make a claim, adhere to the guidance provided on GOV.UK.

The amount you receive depends on your date of birth and your circumstances during the 'qualifying week' of 15 to 21 September 2025. Any funds received will not impact your other benefits.

If you live alone or no one in your household qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive either:

• £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

If you cohabit with someone else eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment may vary if you receive any of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income Support

If you do not receive any of the benefits, you will receive a payment of:

• £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945
• £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945

If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will receive a payment of either:

• £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

The funds will be deposited into the bank account where your benefits are typically paid.

If you receive any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim), you will receive a payment of either:

• £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

If your income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will reclaim all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return.

If you reside in a care home and are eligible, you'll receive either:

• £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945

Regarding payment dates, the DWP has stated that most payments will be automatically made in November or December.

You should receive a letter informing you:

• how much you’ll get
• which bank account it will be paid into - this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits

The DWP has issued a statement: "If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre."

For those considering opting out of the Winter Fuel Payment, it's possible to forgo all future payments. To do so, individuals must reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 15 September 2025.

Comprehensive information regarding the necessary steps to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre is available on the GOV.UK website.