Up to £300 will be distributed this winter to nearly nine million pensioners across England and Wales through the Winter Fuel Payment scheme administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The annual support is designed to assist eligible older residents with heating costs during the coldest months.
While the majority of payments are made automatically based on benefit status and age, not all individuals are covered by the same rules. According to reporting by the Manchester Evening News, DWP has issued updated guidance for certain groups. Additional steps may be required depending on each applicant’s current entitlements and household situation.
Eligibility Criteria and Payment Details
The Winter Fuel Payment is intended to help pensioners cover heating costs during the cold season. To qualify for a payment in winter 2025–2026, applicants must have been born on or before September 21, 1959. The payment amount is based on an individual’s circumstances during the qualifying week, which runs from September 15 to September 21.
Following a policy change announced by the government on June 11, only pensioners with a total annual income below £35,000 will be allowed to keep the full payment. Those whose income exceeds this threshold will still receive the payment initially, but it will be reclaimed by HMRC either through a tax code adjustment for the 2026–2027 tax year or by inclusion in the 2025–2026 Self Assessment return.
You can check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back on the gov.uk website – the department advises.
Automatic Payments and Exceptions
In most cases, Winter Fuel Payments are issued automatically to eligible individuals receiving certain UK government benefits. These include the State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Other qualifying benefits include Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, and the Industrial Death Benefit.
Those who do not receive any of these benefits, or have been specifically asked to apply by the DWP, must submit a manual claim.
You only need to fill in the form if the following apply – the DWP. explains: you have been asked to by the DWP, or you do not get any DWP benefits or a DWP pension but have reached State Pension age and want to claim the Winter Fuel Payment.
How to Apply Manually
The DWP has made available an official claim form for individuals who need to apply manually.
The government department has released a form for anyone who wants to claim the payment but needs to apply for it themselves – confirms the DWP.
The form can be downloaded or completed online via the UK government website.
Alternatively, claims can be made by phone starting from October 13, 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure their personal information is accurate and up to date before submitting the form. Delays may occur if data does not match existing government records.
New Income Threshold and Recovery Process
The income cap is a new addition to the scheme. Individuals with annual incomes exceeding £35,000 will not retain the Winter Fuel Payment. Instead, HMRC will recover the full amount through either a revised tax code in the 2026–2027 tax year or inclusion in the 2025–2026 Self Assessment return.
