The winter fuel payment will increase by £100
Millions of state pensioners are set to lose their £300 winter fuel payment if they no longer claim a qualifying benefit. This is due to the government’s decision to make the payment means-tested rather than universal.
If you qualify for the winter fuel payment this year, the exact amount you can receive will vary depending on your birth year and potentially other circumstances. Previously, the winter fuel payment was automatically given to all state pensioners.
However, under the new rules, you need to be claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit to be eligible.
Those who are of state pension age but under 80, meaning they were born on or before September 22, 1958, and qualify, will receive a £200 payment.
Meanwhile, those aged over 80 – born September 22, 1944 or earlier – will receive £300, reported Express.
The amount you receive is determined by your birth date and your circumstances between September 15 and 21, 2025, known as the ‘qualifying week’.
This means that if you are aged over 80 and qualify, your winter fuel payment will increase from £200 to £300. That’s an extra £100 in your pocket.
Most people who qualify will receive a letter detailing how much they’ll get and which bank account it will be paid into – usually the same account as your Pension Credit or other benefits.
Age UK said: “If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically.
“If you’ve never received a winter fuel payment before, or if you claim Universal Credit, you might need to make a claim. And if you receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, you must make a claim.
“You should receive your payment between mid-November and Christmas. Call the winter fuel payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if you have any enquiries or you don’t receive your payment.”
You can read more on winter fuel payments here.
