Automatic £300 payments coming for state pensioners in November

Money will be entering bank accounts from next month

Some of the poorest state pensioners are being alerted to an automatic payment which will be landing in their bank accounts from November. The Winter Fuel Payment is usually paid out between November and Christmas and is worth up to £300.

Around 1.5 million pensioners will get the top-up, in a change from previous years. All pensioners used to get the winter payments but the support has controversially been made means-tested by the Government.

Around 10 million older people will no longer get the payment as a result, including 2.5 million estimated to be struggling with their bills. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth £200 to those aged under 80 and £300 to those over 80.

READ MORE: National Insurance warning ahead of Labour Budget

Get our best money saving tips and hacks by signing up to our newsletter

The money is designed to support some of the most vulnerable people with their energy bills over winter. There has been anger over the way the benefit has been means-tested by the new Labour Government, amid fears many will be left choosing between heating and eating as a result.

The charity Age UK, which is campaigning for the decision to be reversed, says: "The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months. The Government announced in July 2024 that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have reached State Pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit.

"If you are over State Pension age and receive a qualifying benefit, you could get £200 towards your bills. If you are over 80, you could get £300 to help with your bills in winter this year. Payments are made to the person claiming the benefit and are for the household."