The winter months often bring extra costs for older households. Higher energy bills, cold weather essentials, and seasonal living expenses can put pressure on fixed incomes. To help, the UK Government—through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)—has confirmed a package of five separate winter benefits that together can be worth up to £824 for eligible pensioners in 2025.
This detailed guide explains exactly what’s included, who can get it, how to claim, and how the new rules for 2025 affect you.
Overview of the £824 Winter Support
The “£824” figure is not a single payment—it’s the combined potential value of several winter-related benefits and discounts. Depending on your location and circumstances, you could receive:
- Winter Fuel Payment – £200 or £300
- Christmas Bonus – £10
- Warm Home Discount – £150
- Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only) – variable amount
- Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only) – £59.75
If you live in England or Wales, you’ll usually get the first three. Pensioners in Scotland may receive the two Scotland-specific payments instead of the standard Winter Fuel Payment.
Winter Fuel Payment – The Main Element
How Much You Can Get
The Winter Fuel Payment is the central part of the package:
- Pensioners aged 66 to 79 usually get £200.
- If you’re 80 or over, the payment increases to £300.
- In households where more than one eligible person lives, the amount may be divided.
Income Rules for 2025
This year introduces an income threshold:
- If your annual taxable income is £35,000 or less, you can keep the full amount.
- Those earning above this level will still receive the payment initially, but the amount will be reclaimed through the tax system, either via PAYE code adjustments or Self-Assessment.
Automatic Payments
Most eligible pensioners do not need to apply:
- If you received it before, payment will be automatic.
- You’ll get a letter in October or November confirming the amount.
- Funds are normally deposited in November or December.
If you don’t want to receive it, there’s an opt-out deadline of 15 September 2025.
The £10 Christmas Bonus
A small but traditional payment, the Christmas Bonus gives pensioners an extra £10 in December. While the amount hasn’t changed in decades, it remains a symbolic gesture from the government to mark the festive period. It’s paid automatically if you’re eligible for certain benefits, including the State Pension.
Warm Home Discount – £150 Energy Bill Credit
The Warm Home Discount offers £150 off your electricity bill during the colder months.
It applies if:
- You receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or
- You are on a low income and meet your energy supplier’s criteria.
It’s applied directly to your electricity account between October and March, and you don’t have to repay it.
Scotland’s Alternative Winter Payments
Since winter 2023, Scotland has operated its own schemes:
- Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
- Amount varies from £101.70 to £305.10 depending on your situation.
- Replaces the UK-wide Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland.
- Winter Heating Payment
- A flat £59.75 for certain low-income households who receive qualifying benefits.
- Paid automatically, usually between December and February.
Both payments are administered by Social Security Scotland and don’t require an application if you already qualify.
Breaking Down the £824 Total
Here’s an example of how a pensioner in Scotland could reach the full £824:
- Pension Age Winter Heating Payment: ~£305
- Winter Heating Payment: £59.75
- Warm Home Discount: £150
- Christmas Bonus: £10
- Additional top-up or regional support schemes: remaining amount to reach ~£824
In England or Wales, the total for someone over 80 could look like:
- Winter Fuel Payment: £300
- Warm Home Discount: £150
- Christmas Bonus: £10
- Plus any local council or energy company schemes: total can approach £824
What’s New for Winter 2025
Last year’s system limited eligibility mostly to those receiving Pension Credit, leaving many pensioners without help. For 2025:
- All pensioners with income of £35,000 or less are eligible.
- Higher-income pensioners will still receive the payment but will need to repay it through tax.
- This change means millions more households will get help this winter—government estimates suggest over 9 million pensioners in England and Wales will benefit.
Dates for 2025/26 Winter Payments
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 15–21 Sept 2025 | Qualifying week for Winter Fuel Payment |
| 15 Sept 2025 | Opt-out deadline & postal claims open |
| 13 Oct 2025 | Telephone claims open |
| Oct–Nov 2025 | Payment notification letters sent |
| Nov–Dec 2025 | Payments made |
| 31 Mar 2026 | Last date to claim for 2025/26 |
How to Claim (If You’re Not Paid Automatically)
Most pensioners will be paid without applying, but if you think you qualify and don’t receive it:
Claim Deadlines
- Post applications open 15 September 2025.
- Phone applications open 13 October 2025.
- Final claim date: 31 March 2026.
What You’ll Need
- National Insurance number
- Bank or building society details
- Information about your living arrangements during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025)
- Details of any time spent in a care home or hospital
How the £35,000 Repayment Works
If your taxable income is above £35,000:
- HMRC will reclaim the Winter Fuel Payment through tax code adjustments (around £17–£33 per month depending on your payment amount), or
- You’ll declare it in your Self-Assessment return for 2025/26.
This system avoids means-testing before payment and ensures everyone gets the support upfront.
Tips to Maximise Winter Support
- Check eligibility for Pension Credit—many miss out, and qualifying can unlock additional winter help.
- Review energy tariffs to combine discounts with cheaper rates.
- Look for local council grants—some councils provide extra cold weather payments.
- Improve home insulation—support schemes are available to cut heating costs long-term.
Conclusion
The DWP’s £824 Winter Payment package for 2025 offers more inclusive support than in recent years. By widening eligibility and paying everyone upfront, the government aims to help millions of pensioners manage rising winter costs. Whether you’re in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, knowing what’s available—and how to claim it—can make a real difference when temperatures drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this payment affect my other benefits?
No, it doesn’t reduce or cancel other benefits.
Q: I’m under pension age but live with someone who qualifies. Will I get anything?
No—the payment is for those who meet the age and residency criteria.
Q: I live in a care home. Am I still eligible?
Not if you were in a care home for the entire qualifying week and receive Pension Credit or certain other benefits.
Q: Can I refuse the payment?
Yes—you can opt out before 15 September 2025.