Millions of households face higher gas and electricity bills from October, with Ofgem confirming the energy price cap will rise by 2%. The typical annual bill will hit £1,755 – an extra £35 a year. At the same time, millions of pensioners risk losing out on up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments unless they act now. The DWP has set the qualifying week as 16 to 22 September 2025.
Almost 10 million pensioners lost the Winter Fuel Payment last year after Labour axed universal access. A government U-turn in June restored it for state pensioners, but with new rules attached. Anyone earning over £35,000 a year will have the money clawed back through the tax system unless they opt out before September 15. The change means 7.4 million more pensioners will receive the payment this year, while two million will still miss out.
Fiona Peake, Personal Finance Expert at Ocean Finance, said: “With bills rising again in October, the timing couldn’t be worse for households already under pressure. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 depending on your age. For many, this extra support could mean the difference between putting the heating on or shivering through winter.
“Payments are automatic if you qualify, and it’s usually paid straight into bank accounts in November or December. But you need to be receiving the right benefits first. If you leave it too late, you could miss out.
“While credit cards or consolidation loans can help spread costs, the first step should always be checking your entitlement to free government support. Don’t hand money back to the Treasury when it could be helping to heat your home.”
Fiona explained five ways to protect your Winter Fuel Payment:
1. Check your benefits: “Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth a five-minute check. Pension Credit alone can boost your income and unlock extras like Housing Benefit and Cold Weather Payments.”
2. Apply early: “Too many people apply just days after the qualifying week and miss out completely. Get your claim in now so you’re approved in time.”
3. Budget for the gap: “The Winter Fuel Payment lands in November or December. If your bills are mounting, think about how to cover the shortfall. That could be dipping into savings, cutting back on non-essentials, or using a credit card with a 0% period to spread the cost without piling on interest.”
4. Keep your details up to date: “Payments can be delayed or even stopped if your details are wrong. Check your bank account, address and National Insurance details with the DWP now to avoid problems later.”
5. Plan for a cold snap: “The Winter Fuel Payment isn’t the only support available. Cold Weather Payments are triggered automatically when temperatures stay below freezing for a week, but you need to be on qualifying benefits to get them. Sorting this now means you’ll be covered all season.”
