Age UK updates winter money guidance for winter 2025-26

Age UK published updated guidance on managing money this winter on 1 October 2025, setting out which heating-related payments and discounts are available for winter 2025-26¹.

On the Winter Fuel Payment, the charity states that in winter 2025-26 a household is entitled to receive it if someone living there was born on or before 21 September 1959, and that a claim for Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit is no longer required¹. It describes the payment as "an annual tax-free payment to help with heating costs"¹.

The guidance also covers other winter support. On the Cold Weather Payment, it says that where it is very cold, at or below 0 degrees, for a period of time and the recipient is receiving certain benefits, they may be eligible for £25 a week for each 7-day period of cold weather¹. The Warm Home Discount is described as a discount on the electricity bill, available to those who get Pension Credit or are on a low income¹. One-off payments for households on means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit are also listed¹.

For those on Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the page notes that a Budgeting Loan may be available to help with unexpected expenses¹. It also states that the government is investing £12 billion in Help to Heat schemes to make homes warmer and cheaper to heat¹.

On energy efficiency, Age UK says some local Age UKs offer home energy checks through the Warm Homes programme, sending a handyperson to check the home and, if necessary, provide free equipment to help save money on bills¹. It adds that if a person rents their home, the landlord should check the gas heating system and appliances for safety at least once a year¹. On temperature, it says that for many people around 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) is usually ideal¹.

Why it matters for households

The Winter Fuel Payment change matters most to households containing someone born on or before 21 September 1959, because eligibility for winter 2025-26 no longer depends on a Pension Credit claim or any other means-tested benefit¹. That removes the link between claiming a means-tested benefit and receiving the payment for this group. The Cold Weather Payment remains conditional on receiving certain benefits and on local temperatures falling to 0 degrees or below for a qualifying period, at £25 for each 7-day cold spell¹. The Warm Home Discount is likewise tied to Pension Credit or a low income¹. The guidance does not set out payment amounts for the Winter Fuel Payment, and no start date for payments is given on the page¹.

What happens next

Age UK's page was last updated on 1 October 2025¹. It gives a helpline number, 0800 678 1602, open 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year, and says specialist advisers are available at over 120 local Age UKs, with free interpreted calls offered in partnership with Wordskii¹. No further dated steps are set out in the guidance¹.