Overview

If you were born before 25 September 1957 you could get between £250 and £600 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

The amount you get includes a ‘Pensioner Cost of Living Payment’. This is between £150 and £300. You’ll get this extra amount in winter 2023 to 2024. This is in addition to any other Cost of Living Payments you get with your benefit or tax credits.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) and British Sign Language (BSL).

Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.

If you’re eligible, you should have had a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.

If you did not get a letter but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

Most eligible people were paid in November or December. Find out what to do if you have not been paid.

Other help with heating bills

You could also get:

  • a Cold Weather Payment - if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees celsius or below for 7 days in a row
  • the Warm Home Discount - this is a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household
  • help from the Household Support Fund, if you’re eligible under your local council’s rules - check on your local council’s website