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Get Winter Ready

Published on 11 November 2025 10:19 AM

Financial help this winter 

As the colder months approach, it is important to make sure you’re prepared and aware of the help available to keep your home warm. Many older adults are entitled to government support through the Winter Fuel Payment and the Warm Home Discount. These schemes are run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and are designed to help with the extra cost of heating during the winter. 

For general guidance, you can visit the DWP’s official winter support page: 
www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment 

Winter Fuel Payment 

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment to help older people with their heating bills. It is usually paid automatically if you receive the State Pension or Pension Credit. Most payments are made between November and December, and the amount depends on your age and circumstances. New rules from 2025 mean all pensioners in England and Wales will automatically receive the £200 or £300 payment however, a new condition is that those with a taxable income of over £35,000 will have the payment reclaimed through their tax bill. 

If it is your first time claiming and you are not in receipt of one of the eligible benefits or if your situation has changed, such as moving abroad or changing your bank details, you may need to contact the DWP to make a claim. You can find full details about eligibility and how to claim on the official website: 
Winter Fuel Payment: How to Claim – GOV.UK 

Warm Home Discount 

The Warm Home Discount gives a one-off rebate (around £150) on your electricity bill during the winter months. If you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, you will usually get this automatically. You should receive a letter between October and January if you are eligible, and the payment is made directly to your energy provider. You do not need to apply unless you have not received a letter by early January 2026, please contact the Warm Home Discount helpline: Warm Home Discount Scheme: If you do not get a letter - GOV.UK . 

You can read more about the scheme and the eligibility rules here: 
Warm Home Discount Scheme – GOV.UK 
 
Warm Home Discount scheme varies per provider, check if your energy provider offers the scheme here:  
Warm Home Discount Scheme: Energy suppliers - GOV.UK

Staying warm and safe 

Alongside financial support, taking simple steps can help you keep your home warm and comfortable. Check your boiler and heating system early in the season, keep your living areas at a safe temperature (around 18°C or higher), and close curtains at night to retain heat. Draught-proofing doors and windows, wearing layers indoors, and keeping a hot drink nearby can all help during colder weather. 

You can find more energy-saving advice and information about staying well in winter on these sites: 

Be aware of scams 

Unfortunately, fraudsters often target people expecting winter payments by pretending to be from the DWP, HMRC, or an energy supplier. They may contact you by text, email, or phone, claiming you need to “apply” or “confirm your bank details” to receive your Winter Fuel Payment or Warm Home Discount. Scams advice – How to spot and avoid scams | Age UK 

It is important to remember that you do not need to provide personal or banking details to receive these payments. The DWP and energy companies will never contact you out of the blue to ask for this information. If you receive a message that looks suspicious, do not click on any links or share any details. Delete the message or hang up the call. 

If you are not sure whether a message is genuine, contact the DWP directly using the official numbers listed on GOV.UK or report any scams through Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk. 

You can also learn more about recognising benefit-related scams on the DWP’s guidance page: 
Report Benefit Fraud or Scams – GOV.UK 

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Staying informed, cautious, and prepared will help ensure you stay safe, warm, and financially secure throughout the winter season.