The Winter Fuel Payment is a state benefit paid as an annual, tax free, lump sum payment in England and Wales, intended to cover the additional costs of heating over the winter months.

It is paid to those over state pension age, who do not opt-out. Pensioners with annual earnings over £35,000, and not in receipt of pension credit, have the payment reclaimed by HMRC.^{[citation needed]}

Most payments are made automatically in November or December.^{[citation needed]}

Winter Fuel Payments are devolved in Scotland and Northern Ireland.^{[citation needed]}

Eligibility is based on a person’s date of birth and place of residence by the end of the qualifying week each year (the third full week of September, e.g. the week commencing 23 September 1958 for the winter 2024/2025).^{[clarification needed]}

A person must be above state pension age. Certain categories of people are excluded from receipt of the payment, including prisoners, people receiving long-term free hospital care, those with certain immigration issues, and care home residents in receipt of income-related benefits (such as pension credit).

Some living in the European Economic Area who moved prior to 31 December 2020 may also be eligible, given a “genuine and sufficient link to the UK’s social security system", such as having lived or worked in the UK.

In winter 2024/2025 the payment was £200 to £300 depending on circumstances.