Winter Fuel Payment: All You Need To Know

With winter now upon us, you are probably starting to think about turning the heating up more often in a bid to stay warm. However, with the energy bills and cost of living not easing, the need to heat our homes can be a source of stress and worry for many because of the cost.

The good news is that there is help available for heating your home this winter, such as the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP).

What Is The Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a payment that the Government sends to eligible individuals every winter. It varies between £100 and £300.

Those who meet the criteria will be sent the allowance:

• Born before 22 September 1959
• Earn less than £35,000
• Live in England or Wales
• Live in a care home in England or Wales and either receive certain benefits or have lived in a care home since 23 June 2025 or earlier

How Much Is The Winter Fuel Allowance?

The amount you receive depends on when you were born and your personal situation during the week of 15-21 September 2025:

• If you’re born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, you’ll receive £200
• If you’re born before 22 September 1945, you’ll receive £300

Do You Get The Winter Fuel Allowance If You’re On Benefits?

Yes, although the amount you receive depends on the benefits that you get.

What Happens If You’re Not Eligible For The Winter Fuel Allowance?

If you’re not eligible for the allowance, the Government won’t send you a payment. Or if you’re sent payment but you earn more than £35,000, the Government will expect it to be returned.

However, if someone you live with is eligible, they will receive the payment.

When Do You Receive The Winter Fuel Allowance?

The Government sends out letters to confirm how much you’re entitled to, if any, in October/November, and the payment is made in November/December.

What If You’re Eligible But Don’t Receive The Letter?

Most people get the payment automatically if they’re eligible. However, if you don’t receive any benefits or haven’t received the Winter Fuel Payment before, you might need to make a claim for the payment.

You can do so by post or by calling 0800 731 0160 before 31 March 2026 for winter 2025.

To find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment or to make a claim, visit the Government’s website, here.

Nehemiah Is Here To Help & Support

We want all our tenants to be able to stay warm in their homes this winter without worrying how they’ll afford the cost.

To find out if you’re eligible for Winter Fuel Payment this winter, you can visit the Government’s website for more information or take a look at our advice on our Cost Of Living Help page.

You can also get money help and advice for free from charity  Birmingham Settlement https://www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk/money-advice/ or email money.advice@bsettlement.org.uk or Telephone 0121 250 0777

Furthermore, we’re here to help if you want to talk about ways to heat your home for less this winter. You can contact your Housing Officer or call us on 0121 358 0966 or email contact@nehemiah.co.uk and we will do all we can to support you.