Millions of pensioners risk losing out on up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments unless they act now, says a finance expert.
The DWP has set the qualifying week for this year's payments as September 16-22 2025 - this week.
People can miss out in a few ways:
- if they don’t receive any of the qualifying benefits and never put in a claim
- if they’ve deferred their State Pension and don’t apply
- or if their circumstances during the qualifying week don’t line up with the rules
"With bills going up again from October, it’s important pensioners double-check their entitlement," says Fiona Peake, Personal Finance Expert at Ocean Finance .
"Missing out could mean losing as much as £300 towards heating costs this winter."
A new UK Parliament report confirms what we’ve long warned:
➡️ Fuel poverty & poor housing drive excess winter deaths
➡️ Support schemes are too small, too late & don’t reach everyone
➡️ Insulation, retrofit & warm homes save lives as well as energy
➡️ Joined-up action between… pic.twitter.com/16AGa4G9te— End Fuel Poverty Coalition (@EndFuelPoverty) September 17, 2025
Who will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically?
Most people who qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment will get it automatically if they already receive the State Pension or certain benefits like Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Attendance Allowance.
"The DWP uses a qualifying week to decide who gets it," says Fiona.
"The amount you’re entitled to depends on your age and circumstances during that week. From October or November, pensioners will start receiving letters confirming how much they’ll get. The payment is usually made directly into bank accounts in November or December.
"If you don’t get a letter but believe you’re eligible, that’s the red flag to check whether you need to make a claim."
Who can claim the Winter Fuel Payments this year?
Almost 10 million pensioners lost the Winter Fuel Payment last year after Labour axed universal access. A government U-turn in June restored it for state pensioners, but with new rules attached.
Anyone earning over £35,000 a year will have the money clawed back through the tax system unless they opted out before 15 September.
The change means 7.4 million more pensioners will receive the payment this year, while two million will still miss out.
Fiona says: "The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 depending on your age. For many, this extra support could mean the difference between putting the heating on or shivering through winter.
“Payments are automatic if you qualify, and it’s usually paid straight into bank accounts in November or December. But you need to be receiving the right benefits first. If you leave it too late, you could miss out."
5 ways to protect your Winter Fuel Payment
1. Check your DWP benefits and pensions
“Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth a five-minute check. Pension Credit alone can boost your income and unlock extras like Housing Benefit and Cold Weather Payments," says Fiona.
2. Apply early
“Too many people apply just days after the qualifying week and miss out completely," she adds. "Get your claim in now so you’re approved in time.”
3. Budget for the gap
“The Winter Fuel Payment lands in November or December. If your bills are mounting, think about how to cover the shortfall," says Fiona. "That could be dipping into savings, cutting back on non-essentials, or using a credit card with a 0% period to spread the cost without piling on interest.”
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4. Keep your details up to date
“Payments can be delayed or even stopped if your details are wrong," she explains. "Check your bank account, address and National Insurance details with the DWP now to avoid problems later.”
5. Plan for a cold snap
“The Winter Fuel Payment isn’t the only support available," concludes Fiona.
"Cold Weather Payments are triggered automatically when temperatures stay below freezing for a week, but you need to be on qualifying benefits to get them. Sorting this now means you’ll be covered all season.”
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