The money is designed to support older Brits with their bills this winter.
Support is available to help Brits through the winter (Image: Getty)
The summer months are quickly coming to an end with millions of Brits turning an eye to how they’re going to heat their homes this winter. The good news is that government support is available, subject to eligibility criteria set by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free grant designed to help older Brits cover their bills during the colder months. Those eligible for the payment will receive a letter in October or November before the money is sent automatically in November or December. However, the eligibility and final payment amount will be determined during the week of September 21 – September 27.
Those eligible for the Winter Fuel payment will receive a one-off payment between £100 and £300 to help pay their bills. This figure depends on your age and who you live with.
To qualify for the payment this year, you must have been born on or before June 27, 1960. However, there are four groups of people who are ineligible, even if they meet the age requirement.
According to DWP, you will not be eligible if you:
- usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 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 21 to 27 September 2026
The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 (Image: Getty)
The department also notes that you can get the payment if you live in a care home. However, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply:
- you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- you lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier
Age UK said: “The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months. You must have reached State Pension age. Your Winter Fuel Payment will be recovered through the tax system if your taxable income is over £35,000.”
The DWP has outlined who is eligible for the cash (Image: In Pictures via Getty Images)
The charity added: “If you or your partner are over State Pension age, you could receive £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could receive £300.
“If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income related Employment and Support Allowance, one person will be paid the whole Winter Fuel Payment for the household.
“If you and your partner do not receive one of these benefits the payment is split between you and the other qualifying people you live with.”