By Clare Yates
2 min read
The Winter Fuel Payment is a yearly support payment for people born on or before 21 September 1959, designed to help with heating costs during the coldest months. Most eligible households in England and Wales should have received their payment for winter 2025/26 automatically between November and December 2025.
But if yours never appeared, you only have until 31 March 2026 to put in a claim. After that, the window closes for the year, and you won’t be able to backdate it.
Who qualifies this year?
Eligibility for winter 2025/26 is based on two things:
You were born on or before 21 September 1959.
You were living in England or Wales during the qualifying week of 15–21 September 2025.
Payments vary depending on your age and who you live with:
£200 if you’re under 80 and do not live with another eligible person.
£100 if you’re under 80 and live with another eligible person.
£300 if you’re 80 or over and do not live with another eligible person.
£150–£200 if you’re 80 or over and live with another eligible person.
Households receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income‑related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) get one combined payment for the whole household.
People living in care homes may receive a reduced amount – or nothing at all – depending on their benefits.
One important detail: if your taxable income is above £35,000, the payment may be recovered through the tax system later.
What to do if your payment hasn’t arrived
If there has been no sign of your Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll need to claim it manually. The deadline is 31 March 2026, and claims can be made by calling the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
You’ll need your National Insurance number and bank details, and the process is usually straightforward.
Why this matters now
With energy costs still putting pressure on household budgets, missing out on this support could leave you hundreds of pounds worse off. A quick check now ensures you don’t lose access to a payment you’re entitled to, especially with the deadline only weeks away.
