DWP Confirms Date Pensioners Can Apply for £300 Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially revealed the exact date pensioners across the UK can begin claiming the much-needed Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.
This annual financial support is aimed at easing the burden of rising heating costs for elderly residents during the colder months. And now, we know when the claims can begin: by post from 15 September 2025, or by phone from 15 October 2025.
The payment is open to individuals born before 22 September 1959. In most cases, there’s no need to apply, if you’re already receiving benefits such as State Pension, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit, the payment will land automatically in your account.
But there’s a catch.
Two groups will need to apply manually. If you haven’t received the payment before, or if you’ve deferred your State Pension, then a claim is required. It’s vital to act fast, especially with energy costs continuing to pinch household budgets.
Who qualifies?
The DWP says eligibility depends on receiving one of a long list of benefits during the qualifying week, 15 to 21 September 2025. These include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- ESA (income-related)
- Income-based JSA
- War Pensions Scheme awards
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
But there’s a new twist this year. If you earn over £35,000, be warned, your Winter Fuel Payment will need to be repaid, either through PAYE or via your self-assessment tax return. HMRC will handle the clawback.
And yes, you can opt out of the payment entirely if you don’t want to be caught in repayment rules. More guidance on that is expected soon.
Worth noting: payments vary. Most households will receive £200, but those with someone over 80 will see £300 arrive.
Still, certain conditions will make you ineligible, such as being in a hospital for over a year for free treatment, being in prison, or residing in a care home for more than 13 weeks over the qualifying period.
According to Labour, nearly nine million pensioners are set to receive this year’s payment. But in Scotland, the scheme has already changed, it’s now known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
This announcement follows ongoing public scrutiny of the DWP’s handling of various benefits. In fact, thousands of UK parents are still reeling from a recent DWP error that left them nearly £5,000 out of pocket, raising concerns about systemic flaws in how support is distributed and recovered.
The Winter Fuel Payment remains a crucial lifeline for millions. But with new rules, extra paperwork, and the looming threat of repayments, pensioners are urged to stay alert and plan accordingly.
