Pensions Minister Torsten Bell has confirmed that 9.2 million people over State Pension age will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300, according to an estimate published in the OBR Economic and Fiscal Outlook . The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that around 760,000 older people are eligible for Pension Credit, but not claiming and missing out on the annual winter heating help.
However, pensioners can take action now, or over the next few months, to ensure they do not miss out on the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment, by making a new claim for Pension Credit . New claims processed before the qualifying week, usually the third week in September, will receive the money when automatic payments start in November. Winter Fuel Payments are being replaced in Scotland by the new devolved Pension Age Winter Heating Payment , however, eligibility will be the same as its DWP counterpart, while delivery will be from Social Security Scotland.
The Scottish Government recently announced that all State Pensioners will receive a payment of £100 next winter through the new benefit, however, those on Pension Credit will get either £200 or £300, depending on their age and household circumstances. Find out more about this here . New claims for Pension Credit are processed - from initial application to award decision letter - within the target timeframe of 50 working days.
This means older people on a low income making a new claim this month could receive their first paym.
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