By Charlotte Fisher Linda Howard
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed when millions of pensioners eligible for Winter Fuel Payments are expected to receive the money later this year . Around 9 million people born before September 22, 1959, will receive between 拢100 and 拢300 to help cover the cost of higher heating bills during the colder months. Winter Fuel Payments will be issued automatically to eligible pensioners in November or December, the Daily Record reports . It comes after Labour originally planned to cut Winter Fuel Payments this year but announced a major U-turn on their decision in June following backlash. Updated guidance on gov.uk states that letters will be issued in October and November informing pensioners on the amount they can expect to receive. The qualifying period for the payment – which is determined by age and household circumstances – is September 15 to September 21. Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here However, State Pensioners in Scotland should be aware that they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This follows similar eligibility criteria to DWP, but will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland on November 30. Previously, Winter Fuel Payments were universally available to everyone over State Pension age, irrespective of their income or benefit entitlement. The decision to limit the scope of Winter Fuel Payments was met with strong opposition from MPs and charities, that cautioned that the decision would leave many elderly people impoverished. However, last month, it was confirmed that pensioners earning below 拢35,000 a year will now receive the Winter Fuel Payment. You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. DWP guidance explains: 鈥淵ou鈥檒l get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you鈥檒l get, if you鈥檙e eligible. 鈥淚f you do not get a letter but think you鈥檙e eligible, check if you need to make a claim.鈥 Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE It鈥檚 important to be aware that scammers may try and trick you into making a claim by text, prompting you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP message and should be deleted. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is called the 鈥榪ualifying week鈥. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits. If you receive a letter from the DWP, it will tell you how much you鈥檒l get and which bank account it will be paid into – this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits. DWP added: 鈥淚f you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre .鈥 If you think you need to claim, follow the guidance on GOV.UK here.