when will the winter fuel allowance be paid

The Winter Fuel Allowance for the winter of 2025/26 will be paid from mid- November 2025 onwards. Most eligible people will receive the payment automatically into the same account as their State Pension or other benefits. Recipients will get a letter in October or November explaining the amount and payment details. If someone has deferred their State Pension and does not receive other DWP benefits, or if asked by DWP, they will need to make a claim. The qualifying week for eligibility is from September 15 to 21, 2025, and people born on or before September 21, 1959, who live in England or Wales during that week will qualify, subject to income limits.