MILLIONS of pensioners will receive help with energy bills this winter after a government U-turn restored the Winter Fuel Payment to most older people.
The payment, worth up to £300, is meant to help with rising heating bills and will begin arriving in bank accounts from next week.
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The amount you get depends on your age and whether you live aloneCredit: Getty
Most people won’t need to apply, but it’s worth checking the eligibility criteria so you don’t miss out.
Last year the rules changed and only people on certain benefits got the Winter Fuel Payment, which caused a lot of anger.
This winter, if you get the state pension and your annual taxable income is under £35,000, you should qualify.
Your income can include wages, private pensions and some state benefits.
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Most eligible pensioners will get a letter in October or November and the money should arrive from mid November.
If you don’t claim the State Pension or other qualifying benefits, you may need to apply.
If you’ve deferred your State Pension, call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 and claim by 31 March 2026.
The amount you get depends on your age and whether you live alone or with someone during the qualifying week, which ran from September 15-21.
If you earn more than £35,000 you will still be sent the payment unless you opted out by the September 15 deadline.
If you did not opt out, HMRC will take the Winter Fuel Payment back through your tax code from April 2026 or add it to your self-assessment tax bill.
However, if you’re only just over the line, say on £35,500, there are easy, legal ways to bring your taxable income under £35,000 and keep the payment.
For instance, paying a bit extra into your workplace or personal pension lowers your taxable income.
If you’re still working, an extra £500 contribution could tip you back under the limit, keep the £300 Winter Fuel Payment and earn tax relief too.
Using salary sacrifice at work for pensions, cycle-to-work or childcare also cuts your official pay, which can nudge you under the threshold.
Before you make changes, make sure you know how pension top-ups or salary sacrifice will affect your take-home pay, benefits and allowances, and consider getting independent financial advice.
Always keep an eye on your payslips, pension statements and tax code so HMRC has the right details and you stay on the right side of the £35,000 rule.
If you can’t get your taxable income below £35,000, HMRC will change your tax code and send you a tax code notice in April 2026.
A changed tax code means your Winter Fuel Payment will be taken back from your pay or pension in monthly instalments and sent to HMRC.
For example, if you got £100 but your income is £35,000, you’ll pay back about £9 a month until it’s repaid.
The repayments start from April 2026, which is the start of the new tax year.
You can check if you’re over the income limit by visiting tax.service.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-hmrc-will-take-back-your-winter-payment/start/country.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
THE Winter Fuel Payment is a lump sum that is given to pensioners to help them with their energy bills during the colder months.
The payments are worth up to £300 but the exact amount you will get depends on when you were born.
You’ll get either:
- £200 if you were born between September 22 1945 and September 21 1959
- £300 if you were born before September 22 1945
Who can’t get a Winter Fuel Payment?
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22 1959 and live in England or Wales.
But a small group of individuals will not be eligible, including those who:
- Live outside England and Wales
- Were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of September 15-21 2025 and the year before that
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison for the whole of the week of September 15-21 2025
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Most people are paid the benefit automatically but if you think you are risk of missing out you can apply.
For more information visit: gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill.
Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
