The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has approved a £100 increase in the Winter Fuel Payment for state pensioners born before a specific year. Starting this winter, those born before 1946 will receive £300, up from £200, while younger retirees will receive £200. The state pension age is currently 66, and nine million people qualified for the allowance last year.
Eligibility Criteria
According to Age UK, to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have reached State Pension age. For the 2025-26 period, households including someone born on or before 21 September 1959 are eligible. If your taxable income exceeds £35,000 per year, the payment will be recovered through the tax system later. You can check your income and how HMRC will reclaim it using a tool on the GOV.UK website.
To be eligible, you must also live in Wales or England during the qualifying week, which is the week beginning from the third Monday in September (15 to 21 September in 2025).
Payment Amounts by Age and Household
- If you are 80 or older and live alone or with someone who does not qualify, you receive £300.
- If you are 80 or older and live with someone under 80 who qualifies, you receive £200.
- If you are 80 or older and live with someone else 80 or older who qualifies, you receive £150.
- If you are under 80 and live alone or with someone who does not qualify, you receive £200.
- If you are under 80 and live with someone else who qualifies, you receive £100.
Special Rules for Care Home Residents
You are not entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home from 23 June to 21 September 2025 and receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. If you live in a care home and do not receive these benefits, your payment is £100 if you are under 80, or £150 if you are 80 or older.
