The Winter Fuel Allowance (Winter Fuel Payment) for 2025/26 will be given to people who meet these main eligibility criteria:

• You must have been born on or before 21 September 1959 (meaning you have reached State Pension age).
• You must be living in England or Wales during the qualifying week, which is from 15 to 21 September 2025.
• You will not be eligible if you live outside England and Wales, were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire qualifying week and the previous year, are prohibited from claiming public funds in the UK, or were in prison during the qualifying week.
• If you live in a care home and receive certain benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you may not be eligible.
• Income over £35,000 per year may result in the payment being reclaimed through the tax system.

The amount paid is £200 per household if the recipient is under 80 years old, or £300 if 80 or over. Payments are usually automatic and paid in November or December 2025.

This allowance supports pensioners to cover their winter heating costs.