Winter Fuel Payment 2025 | Changes in eligibility

Keeping your home warm in the winter can be expensive so benefits like the Winter Fuel Payment can make all the difference.

The fuel poverty charity NEA estimates that around 4 million UK households are unable to afford sufficient heating, and in January 2023 it reported there were around 4000 excess deaths during the winter months.

If you are an older person and receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for financial support with your heating bills.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free lump payment to help you to heat your home in the winter.

The benefit was introduced in 1997 for older people who feel the cold more, are less active and stay indoors more.

How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The payment is either £200 or £300, depending on your date of birth and whether or not you live alone.

If you or your partner were born before 23 September 1944, it should be £300.

Payments are usually made in November and December.

For more information see homecare.co.uk