DWP Announces £100 Winter Fuel Payments for Some Pensioners

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a number of pensioners will receive only £100 in this year’s Winter Fuel Payment. While the maximum amount available is £300, eligibility criteria determine the specific payment each individual receives. Payments are scheduled to be distributed in November and December to pensioners born before September 22, 1959.

The amount of the Winter Fuel Payment varies depending on individual circumstances during the qualifying week, which for this year is set between September 15 and 21, 2025. Pensioners who do not claim benefits such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Income Support will receive a flat payment of £100 if both they and their partner were born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959.

Those who do not claim these benefits and live with a partner born before September 22, 1945 will also qualify for the £100 payment. Additionally, eligible care home residents born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959 will receive the same amount. However, residents in care homes who are receiving benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, and who have lived there continuously since June 23, 2025, will not be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment.

To qualify for the full £300 Winter Fuel Payment, individuals must be aged 80 or older. Certain households may also qualify for payments of £150 or £200 based on specific criteria. This year introduces new regulations stating that if a recipient’s income exceeds £35,000, they will still receive a Winter Fuel Payment, but will be required to repay it through the tax system unless they opt out.

The income eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment is assessed individually. For example, if one partner earns £30,000 and the other earns £40,000, the person earning £30,000 retains their portion of the payment while the partner repays theirs.

Previously, Winter Fuel Payments were available to all individuals over the state pension age, regardless of income or benefit status. According to estimates from the Labour Party, approximately nine million pensioners are expected to receive Winter Fuel Payments this year. In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, reflecting regional variations in support for elderly citizens.