Natalie Star
Millions of pensioners and low-income individuals will automatically receive a £300 Winter Fuel Payment this year, thanks to a major update by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The change comes after the UK government reversed its earlier decision to restrict eligibility for winter support, ensuring broader relief during the cold months of 2025.
Who Will Get the £300 DWP Winter Payment in 2025?
This non-taxable payment is aimed at helping households cover rising heating and energy costs during the winter.
Following the government’s U-turn on eligibility requirements, around 9 million pensioners across England and Wales are expected to benefit.
Under the new rules, pensioners earning £35,000 or less annually will qualify automatically, provided they receive one of the following 14 benefits:
List of Qualifying Benefits
| Eligible Benefits for £300 Winter Fuel Payment |
|---|
| 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) |
| War Pensions Scheme Awards |
| Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit |
| Incapacity Benefit |
| Industrial Death Benefit |
When Will the Payment Be Sent?
The qualifying week for the Winter Fuel Payment falls between September 15 and September 21, 2025. Payments will be automatically issued in November and December, ahead of peak winter.
How Much Will You Receive?
The payment amount depends on your age and household circumstances during the qualifying week:
| Date of Birth Range | Winter Fuel Payment |
|---|---|
| Born before 22 Sep 1945 | £300 |
| Born between 22 Sep 1945 and 21 Sep 1959 | £200 |
| Couples (both under 80, no income-based benefit) | £100 each |
In households receiving Pension Credit or other income-based benefits, a full payment of £300 is made instead of the split.
What If You Don’t Receive It Automatically?
You may need to submit a claim for the payment if:
- You’ve never received a Winter Fuel Payment before.
- You’ve deferred your State Pension since your last payment.
You can do this online or by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Additional Winter Help: What Else Is Available?
In addition to the £300 Winter Fuel Payment:
- The Warm Home Discount provides £150 to eligible households.
- The Cold Weather Payment offers £25 per week when temperatures fall below zero.
- In Scotland, a single Winter Heating Payment is made instead.
The £300 Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP is a much-needed relief for households facing higher energy bills during colder months.
With automatic eligibility extended to more pensioners and low-income families on 14 key benefits, many won’t need to take action to receive support.
Still, those who haven’t claimed before should check their status and apply if needed. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure energy affordability and financial support for vulnerable populations across the UK this winter.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment?
No, if you’re already receiving one of the 14 qualifying benefits, the payment will be sent automatically. You only need to apply if you’ve never received it or deferred your pension.
Will couples receive £600 in total?
Only if both partners qualify separately under the conditions. Otherwise, a shared payment of £200–£300 may be given, depending on age and benefits.
When will the £300 payment arrive?
Eligible households will receive the payment automatically in November or December 2025, depending on the DWP’s rollout schedule.