The Winter Fuel Allowance for 2025 is paid to eligible individuals from mid- November 2025 onwards, with most payments made automatically by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You will generally receive a letter in October or November informing you of the payment amount and confirmation that the money will be paid into the same bank account as your State Pension or other benefits. Most eligible people get the payment without needing to claim it. If you have deferred your State Pension or do not get another DWP benefit, you may need to make a claim. Payments typically continue through to December.

Eligibility requires being of State Pension age (born on or before September 21, 1959, for 2025) and living in England or Wales during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025. Residents of Scotland do not receive the Winter Fuel Payment; instead, they might be eligible for the Scottish Government’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

To summarize:

• Qualifying week: September 15-21, 2025
• Eligibility: Reached State Pension age and living in England or Wales during qualifying week
• Payment issued: Mid-November 2025 through December 2025
• Notification letter: Sent in October or November 2025
• Payment method: Automatic direct deposit to existing benefit or pension accounts
• Claim: Usually automatic, except in some cases (deferred pension, no other DWP benefits)

This schedule ensures funds arrive before the coldest months of winter to help with heating costs.