As temperatures drop, it’s important to know what support is available to help with heating bills, especially for older tenants and those on low incomes.

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is a state benefit paid annually. It aims to cover the additional costs of heating over the winter months and is paid to those over state pension age. If you were born before 22 September 1959, you could receive between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026. 

• Automatic payments: Most eligible pensioners will receive this automatically.
• New this year: If you claim Pension Credit, you’ll now be automatically identified for the Winter Fuel Payment, so it’s worth applying for that benefit even if you’ve been turned down before. More details below.
• Payment timeline: Letters about Winter Fuel Payment will be sent in October or November, with payments arriving in November or December

The deadline for you to make a claim is 31 March 2026. Apply by heading to https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment  or by calling 0800 731 0160

Other heating support

• Cold Weather Payment: Paid if temperatures drop to 0°C or below for 7 consecutive days, and you receive certain benefits.
• Warm Home Discount: A £150 discount for those on Pension Credit or in low-income households.

Pension credit, all you need to know

Pension Credit is a benefit for people over state pension age on a low income. It can help with living costs and unlock access to other support.

If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:

• Housing Benefit
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Council tax discount
• Free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
• Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
• Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house

You might still qualify even if:

• You have £10,000 or less in savings and investments.
• You’ve been unsuccessful before as your circumstances may have changed.
• You live alone, or with a partner who is disabled, and receive benefits like PIP (standard rate daily living), DLA (middle rate care), or Attendance Allowance, and no one claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after you. You may be eligible for a Pension Credit disability premium.

How to apply

• Online: Visit gov.uk/pension-credit
• Phone: Call 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
• Contact our Financial Inclusion Team for a benefit check on 01639 315000