The winter fuel payment is set to be paid to all state pensioners in 2025, but the exact amount you get depends on when you were born
Alex Evans Deputy Audience Editor
19:25, 14 Sep 2025
Winter Fuel Payment will be increased for people born in these years(Image: Getty)
A significant alteration to the winter fuel payment is due to come into effect this week, meaning millions more pensioners will receive the government benefit worth £200 or £300 – however, the exact amount you receive hinges on one factor.
Earlier this year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a U-turn on the winter fuel payment, abolishing the highly unpopular means testing system based on Pension Credit and instead replacing it with a broader means testing system based on a much larger income. Everyone will receive a payment, but only those who earn more than £35,000 will be required to repay it to the government through their taxes.
However, what many may not realise is that if you do qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, the exact amount you receive will vary depending on the year you were born, and potentially other circumstances as well.
The Winter Fuel Payment used to be automatically paid to all state pensioners, but in 2024 it was altered to only those on Pension Credit. In 2025, it will once again be available to all state pensioners, except those earning more than £35,000 who will have to repay it.
Those of state pension age but under 80, so born on or before 21 September 1959, will receive a £200 payment, whereas those aged over 80 – so born on 21 September 1945 or earlier – will receive £300, reports the Express.
The amount you receive is determined by when you were born and your circumstances between 15 and 21 September 2025. This is referred to as the ‘qualifying week’ and it’s this week.
This implies that if you’re over 80 and eligible, your Winter Fuel Payment will rise from £200 to £300. If you meet the criteria in the next week, you’ll receive the payment, which will be deposited into your bank account in November or December.
Most qualifying individuals will receive a letter detailing the amount they will receive and the bank account into which it will be paid – typically the same account used for your state pension or other benefits.
Age UK clarifies: “If you’re eligible, the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 will be paid directly into your account between November and December 2025.
“If you or your partner are over State Pension age, you could receive £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could receive £300.
“If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income related Employment and Support Allowance, one person will be paid the whole Winter Fuel Payment for the household.
“If you and your partner do not receive one of these benefits the payment is split between you and the other qualifying people you live with.
“Payments are automatic you do not need to do anything.
“If you have not received your Winter Fuel Payment by January 2026, you can make a claim before 31 March 2026. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.”
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