It applies to pensioners who are also receiving one of 14 benefits
The benefit will help pay for heating bills in the colder months(Image: Getty)
State pensioners receiving one of 14 benefits will automatically be issued a payment of up to £300 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). After a government u-turn earlier this year, approximately nine million pensioners across England and Wales are due to receive a Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs throughout the winter
Chancellor Rachel Reeves reinstated the Winter Fuel Payment for the overwhelming majority of pensioners who had previously been excluded following changes she made in 2024.
Initial plans to means test the payment for winter 2024/25, which restricted eligibility to only the worst off were ditched.
The Winter Fuel Payment will now be distributed to all pensioners in England and Wales earning £35,000 per year or less, with those receiving certain benefits also qualifying. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
The DWP has confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payment will be distributed automatically to individuals receiving any of the following 14 benefits:
State PensionPension CreditUniversal CreditAttendance AllowancePersonal Independence Payment (PIP)Carer’s AllowanceDisability Living Allowance (DLA)Income Supportincome-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)awards from the War Pensions SchemeIndustrial Injuries Disablement BenefitIncapacity BenefitIndustrial Death Benefit
People born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959, will receive a payment of £200, whilst those born before September 22, 1945, will receive £300, reports the Express.
HM Treasury said: “From 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payments will be payable in England and Wales at £200 for households including someone between State Pension age and 79, and £300 for households including someone aged 80 or over.
“Where the household is not getting an income related benefit, such as Pension Credit, a shared payment will be made – e.g. a couple, each under 80, not on Pension Credit will receive a payment of £100 each.”
Another benefit which 1.7m people over the State Pension age in the UK can claim is Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance is paid independently of the State Pension, but can provide additional financial support for older people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition.
It is not means-tested and worth either £73.90 for the lower rate or £110.40 for the higher rate each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every payment period.
The full New State Pension is now worth £230.25 per week and as the payment is typically made every four weeks this amounts to £921.
However, it’s important to be aware that not all of the 4.1m people on the New State Pension receive the full amount as it is linked to National Insurance Contributions.