Winter Fuel Payment

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months.

What is Winter Fuel Payment?

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 25 September 1956. It's designed to help you cover your heating costs in winter.

How much Winter Fuel Payment could I get?

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you could get between £100 and £300 to help with your bills in winter this year. The exact amount depends on your age and whether other people in your household also qualify.

You’ll usually get a smaller payment if you live in a care home or nursing home and don't get one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income Support.

If you live in a care home or nursing home and you do get any of these benefits, then you're not entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.

Am I eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?

If you were born on or before 25 September 1956, you're likely to qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment in the winter of 2022-23, as long as you were living in the UK during the qualifying week.

The qualifying week is the week beginning from the third Monday in September.

How do I claim Winter Fuel Payment?

If you've received it before, you should get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically this year.

If you claim State Pension or another social security benefit (not including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit, Universal Credit or a deferred State Pension), you should also be paid automatically.

If you don't receive these benefits – or you live abroad – and you're eligible for Winter Fuel Payment, you might need to make a claim directly to receive your payment.

Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 to get started. You'll need your National Insurance number and your bank or building society details to hand.