The Winter Fuel Payment for the winter of 2025/2026 is generally paid automatically in November or December 2025. Eligible people will receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in October or November explaining how much they will get and the bank account details for the payment, which is usually the same as their State Pension or other benefits account.

Eligibility is mainly for those born on or before 21 September 1959 and living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland during the qualifying week (15 to 21 September 2025). Scotland has a different scheme called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

If a payment has not been received by 28 January 2026, eligible individuals should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.