State pensioners born before 1959 to receive automatic £200 payment

Around 9 million pensioners across the UK are due to receive a one-off payment of up to £300 this winter to help cover the soaring cost of heating bills. The Winter Fuel Payment, designed to offer financial relief during the colder months, will be automatically issued to eligible individuals between November and December, just in time for the festive season.

Anyone born before September 22, 1959, may qualify for a payment between £100 and £300, depending on their age and circumstances. Those under the age of 80 will receive £200, while those aged 80 and over will be granted £300. The support is part of a long-running government scheme aimed at helping older people stay warm and well through winter, without having to worry as much about rising energy costs.

The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that no application is needed for most recipients, as the payment will be transferred automatically to their bank accounts.

This year, the scheme has been expanded following a significant policy reversal. In July 2024, millions were initially told they would no longer qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment due to proposed cuts.

But following widespread criticism and public pressure, the Labour government announced in May 2025 that it would ease the cuts and restore wider eligibility.

The government estimates that around 75% of pensioners, those with annual incomes below £35,000, will still receive the full benefit.

HMRC is expected to reclaim the payment from individuals whose incomes exceed the threshold.

According to Birmingham Live, approximately 11.6 million people received the Winter Fuel Payment during the 2023-2024 season, marking an increase of over 200,000 recipients compared to the previous year.

The number is set to rise again as new eligibility rules come into effect, extending the payment to millions who were previously excluded.

For pensioners living on fixed incomes, the reinstated support could provide much-needed stability in the face of high energy bills and continued cost-of-living pressures.

As temperatures drop and energy demands increase, the Winter Fuel Payment will be a lifeline to many households navigating the financial challenges of the colder months.