Major Change: Winter Fuel Payment Now Means-Tested
From winter 2024/25 onwards, the Winter Fuel Payment is no longer universal. You must now be receiving Pension Credit or another qualifying means-tested benefit. Approximately 10 million pensioners who previously received the payment automatically are no longer eligible.
Quick Eligibility Checker
Answer the questions below to see whether you are likely to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/26.
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help older people pay their heating bills during winter. It was introduced in 1997 and was, until winter 2024/25, paid automatically to all households with someone aged 66 or over.
From winter 2024/25 onwards, the government means-tested the payment, restricting it to those receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. This was one of the most significant changes to pensioner benefit entitlements in a generation.
2025/26 Payment Amounts
£200 — if you were born after 25 September 1944
£300 — if you were born on or before 25 September 1944
Payments are made per household (not per person), typically in November or December. If two qualifying people live together, only one payment is made for the household.
Qualifying Week: To receive the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment, you must be receiving a qualifying benefit during the qualifying week — the third week of September 2025 (15–21 September 2025). If you claim Pension Credit after this week, you will not receive the payment until winter 2026/27.
Which Benefits Qualify for Winter Fuel Payment?
To receive the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment, you must be receiving at least one of the following benefits during the qualifying week:
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit) — this is the most common qualifying route
Universal Credit — if you are below State Pension Age or in a mixed-age couple
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Income Support
Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit — if your income is below the relevant threshold
Not qualifying: Receiving the new State Pension, a private pension, Attendance Allowance, PIP, or Carer's Allowance alone does NOT qualify you for Winter Fuel Payment under the new rules.
What Changed in 2024 — The Full Story
Before winter 2024/25, the Winter Fuel Payment was a universal benefit for all households with someone aged 66 or over. Most recipients received it automatically without needing to apply.
The Old Rules (pre-2024/25)
All households with someone aged 66+ received at least £200
Those aged 80+ received £300
Approximately 11.4 million households received the payment automatically
Payment was made regardless of income or savings
The New Rules (from 2024/25)
Only those receiving Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits qualify
Estimated 10 million pensioners no longer eligible
Around 1.5 million households continue to receive the payment
Government savings: approximately £1.4 billion per year
Legal Challenge
Age UK and other organisations brought a judicial review challenging the decision. In 2024, the High Court rejected the challenge, ruling the government acted within its legal powers when changing the eligibility rules. The means-testing therefore remains in force.
If You No Longer Qualify — What to Do
If you no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment due to the new means-testing rules, the most important step is to check whether you qualify for Pension Credit.
Key action: Check Pension Credit eligibility NOW. Research shows that up to 880,000 pensioners who could receive Pension Credit are not claiming it. Pension Credit is the gateway to the Winter Fuel Payment and many other valuable benefits.
Other Sources of Help with Energy Bills
Warm Home Discount — £150 off your electricity bill (automatic for Pension Credit recipients)
Cold Weather Payment — £25/week during cold spells (if receiving qualifying benefits)
ECO4 Scheme — free home insulation and heating upgrades for low-income households
Household Support Fund — local council help with energy costs
Energy company hardship funds — contact your supplier directly
Pension Wise / Citizens Advice — free advice on all benefits you may be entitled to
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Scotland
Scotland has a separate equivalent called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland. It operates under different rules and eligibility criteria from the England/Wales scheme. Contact Social Security Scotland or visit mygov.scot for the most current information.
Wales
Wales follows the same rules as England. Residents of Wales must meet the same means-tested criteria (Pension Credit or qualifying benefit) to receive the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/26.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own separate Winter Fuel Payment scheme administered by the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency. The means-testing changes announced for England/Wales may apply differently. Contact the NI Social Security Agency for up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/26?
From winter 2024/25 onwards, you must be receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income-related ESA, income-based JSA, income support, or Child Tax Credit/Working Tax Credit at below the income threshold, during the qualifying week in the third week of September 2025. Simply being over 66 is no longer sufficient on its own.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025/26?
Eligible claimants born after 25 September 1944 receive £200. Those born on or before 25 September 1944 receive £300. These amounts are paid per household, not per person. If two eligible people live together, only one payment is made — the higher amount if one person qualifies for the £300.
What changed about Winter Fuel Payment in 2024?
Before winter 2024/25, the payment was universal — all households with someone aged 66 or over received it automatically, regardless of income or savings. The government changed the rules so that from winter 2024/25, only those receiving Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits qualify. Around 10 million pensioners who previously received the payment automatically are no longer eligible.
What if I'm not on Pension Credit — can I still get it?
If you are not currently receiving Pension Credit but may be eligible based on your income and savings, you should apply for Pension Credit immediately. Call 0800 99 1234 (free). Many eligible pensioners do not claim Pension Credit. If you are awarded it, you will then become eligible for Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, and other gateway benefits too.
Do I need to claim Winter Fuel Payment separately?
If you are already receiving a qualifying benefit, Winter Fuel Payment is paid automatically to your bank account — usually in November or December. You do not need to make a separate claim. If you are not already receiving a qualifying benefit, you should apply for Pension Credit or check your eligibility for Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits.
What are the rules in Scotland?
Scotland has a separate equivalent payment called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland rather than DWP. The eligibility criteria, amounts, and administration may differ from the England and Wales scheme. For accurate information about the Scottish payment, visit mygov.scot or call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222.
Was the means-testing of Winter Fuel Payment challenged in court?
Yes. Age UK and other organisations brought a judicial review challenging the legality of the government's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment. In 2024, the High Court rejected the challenge, ruling that the government acted within its legal powers. The means-testing therefore remains in place for winter 2025/26 and is expected to continue going forward.
MB
Mustafa Bilgic
Financial Content Writer | Benefits & Energy Support Specialist
Updated: 20 February 2026 | Published: 1 January 2025