DWP confirmed £300 Winter Fuel Payment dates for State Pensioners born before 1959

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that pensioners born before September 22, 1959, will be receiving Winter Fuel Payments to help with the rising costs of heating during the colder months. This financial assistance, ranging from £100 to £300, will be automatically sent to eligible individuals in November or December, providing some much-needed relief as winter sets in.

Who’s Eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?

If you were born before September 22, 1959, and live in England or Wales, you’re likely eligible for this payment. However, there are a few conditions that may affect your eligibility:

• Not eligible if you:
  • Live outside of England and Wales.
  • Were in the hospital receiving free treatment for the entire week from September 15–21, 2025, or during the same period the year before.
  • Need permission to enter the UK and your visa doesn’t allow you to claim public funds.
  • Were in prison for the full week of September 15–21, 2025.
• If you live in a care home:
  • You may still qualify for the payment unless you’ve been receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit or Pension Credit and have been living in a care home since June 23, 2025, or earlier.

How Much Will You Get?

The amount you receive depends on your age and household situation. Here’s a breakdown:

• If you live alone or no one in your household is eligible:
  • £200 if born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959.
  • £300 if born before September 22, 1945.
• If you live with someone else who is eligible:
  • If both of you qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, the amount will depend on whether you claim benefits like Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income Support. For example:
    • £100 for both if born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959.
    • £150 for both if born before September 22, 1945.
  • If you and your partner both claim any of the above benefits:
    • One of you will get:
      • £200 if both were born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959.
      • £300 if one or both were born before September 22, 1945.
• If you live in a care home:
  • £100 if born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959.
  • £150 if born before September 22, 1945.

When Will the Payment Be Made?

Most Winter Fuel Payments will be automatically paid in November or December. You should receive a letter detailing the amount and the bank account where the payment will be sent—usually the same account where your State Pension or other benefits are paid.

Deadline: If you don’t receive your payment by January 28, 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre for assistance.

Special Note for Scotland

In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. The eligibility criteria are similar, and this payment will be automatically issued by Social Security Scotland on November 30.

Watch Out for Scams

Be cautious of fraudulent messages from scammers posing as the DWP. These may come in the form of emails or texts asking you to click on links or provide personal details. If you get one of these, don’t respond. Instead, go to the official GOV.UK website for guidance on how to apply.

Opting Out of the Payment

If you don’t want to receive the Winter Fuel Payment in future years, you can opt out. Just contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025.

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FAQs

Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
You’re eligible if you were born before September 22, 1959, and live in England or Wales. Certain conditions, like being in prison or receiving free hospital treatment, could disqualify you.

How much will I get for the Winter Fuel Payment?
The payment ranges from £100 to £300, depending on when you were born and whether you live alone or with someone else who qualifies.

When will I receive my payment?
Payments will be made automatically in November or December, with a letter notifying you of the amount and the bank account where it will be deposited.

What if I haven’t received my payment by January 2026?
If your payment hasn’t arrived by January 28, 2026, you should get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

Can I opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment?
Yes, you can opt out by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025.