The Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount

Winter Fuel Payment is a non-means tested payment from the Government to help with heating costs. Most pensioner households will be able to receive it. Additionally, when the weather is especially cold for a sustained period, you may be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment.

There is also a Warm Home Discount scheme – an annual payment to help with the cost of energy during the winter. It's designed to make things a bit easier for those living on a low income or pension.

You may also wish to view our information on help with the cost of living.

The Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment for households that include someone born on or before 22 September 1958 (this is to be eligible for the winter during financial year April 2024 to March 2025 – the eligibility birth date changes each year).

You could get between £100 and £300 to help pay your heating bills, dependent on your age and if other people in your household also qualify.

You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you get the State Pension or Pension Credit. You’ll receive a letter stating how much you’ll get and the approximate payment date (usually during November or December).

If you don’t receive the State Pension or Pension Credit but might be eligible, you will need to make a claim. To ask about your payment or to make a claim, call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

You only need to claim once. After this you should get the payment automatically each year as long as your circumstances don’t change.

Our factsheet, Help with heating costs in Wales, has further information on the Winter Fuel Payment.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme

The Warm Home Discount is a one-off payment of £150 to reduce eligible customers’ bills over the winter months. 

Getting a Warm Home Discount doesn't affect your entitlement to a Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payment.

The money won't be paid to you directly – it'll be added as credit to your electricity account. This usually happens between October and April (you might be able to get the discount applied to your gas bill if you're a dual-fuel customer – i.e. you have a combined plan for gas and electricity with the same supplier).

If you use a prepayment meter, you'll probably be given a top-up voucher.

Am I eligible for the Warm Home Discount?

Further information on the eligibility criteria can be found in our factsheet, Help with heating costs in Wales.