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The UK Government recently announced that Winter Fuel Payments will be made automatically to around nine million people in England and Wales - a similar, but different payment will be issued to Scots pensioners. Older people born before September 22, 1959 will receive between £100 - £300 during November and December, but will receive a letter from over the next few weeks letting them know exactly how much to expect. Guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states these letters will be issued over October and November. People who may need to claim this year’s payment can do so now by post or over the phone. There are two specific groups of people who may need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment, but it’s important to be aware this can only be done by post or over the phone. Texts, emails or phone calls inviting you to claim are scams. DWP has already issued warnings on social media about these fake messages, urging pensioners to report them. DWP has also issued a revised edition of the ‘Easy Read’ Winter Fuel Payment guide which has everything you need to know about this year’s payment, including eligibility, payment rates, qualifying periods and payment windows. You can view this on GOV.UK. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced Winter Fuel Payments in Scotland. Payments of between £101.70 and £305.10 will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland from November. DWP said most people will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they are eligible during the qualifying week, which was September 15 - 21, 2025. You do not need to claim if you get any of the following: If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following apply: You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by: The deadline to make a claim for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026. Full details on how to claim by post or over the phone can be found on GOV.UK here. You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. You will not be eligible if you: You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home, however, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply: DWP guidance explains: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. “If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.” It’s important to be aware that scammers may try and trick you into making a claim by text, prompting you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP message and should be deleted. If you think you need to claim, follow the guidance on GOV.UK here. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits. You will get either: Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits: You will get a payment of: One of you will get a payment of either: The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into. You will get a payment of either: HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return. If you are eligible you’ll get either: DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you: DWP added: “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre .” Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on GOV.UK here.
