Millions of pensioners across the UK will receive a letter over the coming weeks about an important £300 payment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to begin rolling out Winter Fuel Payments to those eligible as we approach the colder months.
Around nine million pensioners will receive the cash this winter after a humiliating Government U-turn. Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously told the Daily Express: « Nine million pensioners this winter will receive winter fuel payment, and they’ll receive it on time because of the decision that we have announced today to increase the level of the means test for the winter fuel payment.” She also confirmed the policy, which expands the threshold to those with a pension below £35,000, will remain until 2029. The payment of £200 per household, or £300 per household where there is someone over 80, will be made automatically this winter.
As reported by Cambridgeshire Live, you must have been born on or before September 21, 1959 to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. The amount you receive depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21.
Most people will receive the cash automatically in November and December. A letter will be sent beforehand outlining whether you’re due the payment and how much you will get.
Pensioners are urged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if they do not get a letter or any money by January 28, 2026. There’s no need to apply for the payment if you receive any of the following:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- 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
- Industrial Death Benefit
However, you will need to complete an application form if you have been asked to do so by the DPW. You will also need to apply if you do not get any benefits or a DWP pension but you have reached State Pension age.
The Winter Fuel Payment policy was reversed by the Labour government in June. The u-turn, which means more than three-quarters of older people will get the allowance this winter, cost £1.25 billion with the new means-testing saving Treasury coffers around £450 million.
Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch said: « Keir Starmer has scrambled to clear up a mess of his own making. I repeatedly challenged him to reverse his callous decision to withdraw winter fuel payments, and every time Starmer arrogantly dismissed my criticisms.
« This humiliating u-turn will come as scant comfort to the pensioners forced to choose between heating and eating last winter. The Prime Minister should now apologise for his terrible judgement. »
