State pensioners will be getting at least £300 each from the DWP this November – with millions more getting another £150 payment on top.
As the cold weather time of year rapidly approaches again, thoughts are already turning to winter budgets, including energy bills and making our money last through the dark nights, Christmas, and the coldest part of winter.
For state pensioners on a limited budget, the need to plan ahead and make money last can be even more acute. Which is why many will be relying on the revamped Winter Fuel Payment system this year, and those with very limited incomes will be looking for a Warm Home Discount handout as well, making for £450 of energy bills help in total.
This year, the Winter Fuel Payment scheme has been overhauled after the unpopular changes in 2024, which had tied the payments to Pension Credit.
Instead, this year the £200 payment (or £300 to Over-80s) will be paid to most state pensioners (unless an exception applies like being in prison), with only those earning £35,000 or more being made to repay it back to the government via tax.
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility is based on your personal circumstances this week (September 15 to 21) in what is known as the ‘qualifying week’. Then, you’ll get a DWP letter in October or November confirming your eligibility, with a payment to follow in November or December.
On top of that, state pensioners who need extra income on top can also get a Warm Home Discount payment of another £150, made as a bill credit on your gas or electricity account.
The Warm Home Discount is available in England, Wales and Scotland and offers £150 to those who are living on low incomes or pensions.
The scheme has also been overhauled for this year, expanding its eligibility to more people than in 2024. As well as being given to low income families, the WHD is made available to state pensioners who claim Pension Credit.
To be eligible as a pensioner, you need to be either claiming the Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit element of Pension Credit, which means your income must be less than about £227 a week.
British Gas explains: “In England and Wales the Government will write to you to confirm if you are eligible. In Scotland, if you receive the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credits, the Government will write to you and you don’t need to apply.
“DWP will issue letters confirming eligibility from 20/10/2025 to 31/12/2025.
“If you believe you should qualify for Warm Home Discount on the above criteria but have not received a letter from the Government confirming your eligibility by 31/1/2026, please contact the DWP Warm Home Discount helpline for help.”
