Millions of pensioners will be entitled to money to help them pay their energy bills this winter following a partial U-turn by the UK government.

The Winter Fuel Payment, which was cut back in 2024, will be restored to many this coming winter.

It means millions of households in England and Wales will automatically get between £100 and £300 if residents were born before 22 September 1959.

The exact amount will depend on complex criteria and on people’s circumstances during the ‘qualifying week’ of 15-21 September 2025. Crucially, it will only be available for people whose income is less than £35,000 a year. Those who are eligible, will receive a letter in October or November saying how much they are set to get.

Meanwhile, there will be a different scheme – the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment – in Scotland, with similar payment schedules.

Other support available

Support is also available via other local and central governments schemes, such as the Warm Home Discount. This is a one-off payment of £150 applied as credit to electricity bills to help with energy costs. It is available to many who receive Pension Credit or are on low incomes. Eligible people in England and Wales will get it automatically, but those in Scotland will have to apply to their energy provider. Both schemes will open in October 2025.

If the temperature drops below freezing for at seven days straight between 1 November and 31 March, households could receive £25 if they are already on benefits like Pension Credit, Universal Credit or other low-income benefits. These Cold Weather Payments are paid automatically into the account where benefits are paid. This is not available in Scotland, though.

In Scotland, it’s a different scheme called the Winter Heating Payment where people on similar benefits are paid just under £60 irrespective of the temperature. Scotland also has the automatic Child Winter Heating Payment of £255.80 paid to families of disabled children and young people to help cover the costs of much-needed heating.

Local authorities also run various schemes, with varying degrees of eligibility criteria, through the Household Support Fund to help with the cost of food, gas, electricity and water. Use the council checker to see what support might be available.

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