Older pensioners across the UK have been talking about a £562 payment linked to State Pension support, and many people are asking what it is, who qualifies, and when it will be paid. While there’s no official national “£562 bonus” labelled directly as a State Pension payment by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), there has been confirmation of one-off support payments worth around £562 being paid automatically to many older pensioners this winter, and it’s closely tied to being on the State Pension and eligible for winter-time support from the DWP.
In simple terms, this payment is part of ongoing efforts by the government to help older residents with rising living costs, especially during the cold months, and it works alongside existing benefits like the State Pension and Winter Fuel Payment. Below, we explain what the £562 payment is, who qualifies for it, when you’ll get it, and what you should check now to make sure you don’t miss out.
What Is the £562 Payment?
The £562 payment is a one-off support payment confirmed by the UK Government and handled via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that is being sent to many older pensioners who meet specific eligibility rules. It isn’t a standard part of the regular State Pension but is paid on top of it and other winter support benefits.
Government officials have said this payment is designed to provide additional financial help at a time of year when energy and living costs tend to be higher, especially for people living on fixed incomes like the State Pension.
Who Qualifies for the £562 Support Payment?
Born Before April 1961
The main eligibility criterion for this £562 payment is age. Most of the confirmed guidance about this payment refers to pensioners born on or before 5 April 1961 — meaning people who reached State Pension age earlier and are financially established on retirement benefits.
Receiving the State Pension or Certain Benefits
To qualify, you generally need to already receive the State Pension or another qualifying benefit such as:
- Pension Credit
- DWP-administered benefits linked to retirement income
If you have been getting your State Pension or these linked benefits, the payment should be automatically sent to the same bank account without any application.
In other words, if you are of pension age, born before April 1961, and are already receiving your State Pension, you are very likely to be eligible. You should not normally need to apply for this payment.
When Will the £562 Payment Be Made?
The rollout of this support payment happens well before February 2026 — most pensioners can expect it between November 2025 and January 2026.
Normally, the DWP sends these payments in phases, rather than all on one day. That means:
- Payments start in November 2025
- Many pensioners receive them in late November or December
- Final payments are usually completed by January 2026
If you haven’t received a payment by early February 2026 but believe you should have, it’s worth checking your details with the Pension Service to make sure your bank account and address are correct in the DWP system.
How the £562 Relates to Other Support Payments
It’s also worth understanding how this £562 link connects with other winter support benefits that pensioners may receive:
Winter Fuel Payment
Separately, many pensioners normally receive a Winter Fuel Payment worth between £250 and £600, depending on age and circumstances each year. These are also paid automatically if you qualify and are usually distributed between November and December.
Those who qualify for both the £562 support payment and the Winter Fuel Payment can receive both amounts together, often directly into the same bank account around the same time — which can feel like a larger combined boost to winter finances.
Do You Need to Apply?
In most cases, no application is needed for this £562 payment. If you are already on the State Pension register or receive a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, the DWP automatically identifies eligible people using existing records and makes the payment directly.
That said, you might need to contact the Pension Service if:
- Your bank account details have changed recently
- You moved house and your contact information isn’t up to date
- You believe you should have received it but did not
In those situations, checking that your details are correct with the DWP can help ensure you get the payment you’re entitled to.
Is the £562 Payment Taxable or Affecting Other Benefits?
According to the guidance around this support:
- The £562 payment is tax-free.
- It won’t affect your existing State Pension entitlement.
- It should not reduce other benefit payments you receive.
That means the money is intended to be extra support, rather than something that eats into your regular pension or benefit entitlements.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received the Payment
If you believe you should have received the £562 because you’re of pension age and meet the other criteria but haven’t seen the money by February 2026, here are some steps you can take:
1. Check Your Bank Account Details
Make sure the account where you normally receive your State Pension or other benefits is still active and up to date.
2. Review Your DWP Records
If you’ve moved recently or changed your address, ensure that the DWP has your current contact information.
3. Contact the Pension Service
You can contact the Pension Service or DWP helpline to confirm your eligibility and payment status if you haven’t received the £562 by early February 2026.
4. Watch for Scams
Be cautious of unsolicited texts or emails claiming to be from the DWP asking for bank details or personal information — these are often scams and are not how official payments are issued.
Final Thoughts
The £562 support payment confirmed through DWP systems is a meaningful boost for many older pensioners, especially when added to other winter support like the Winter Fuel Payment and the regular State Pension. It’s automatic for eligible people, typically paid between November 2025 and January 2026, and does not affect your other benefits or tax position.
If you were born before 5 April 1961 and are already receiving the State Pension or a qualifying benefit, you’re likely in line to receive this support automatically — all you need to do is make sure your bank and contact details are up to date with the DWP.
Keeping an eye on official mail from the Pension Service or notices from DWP will help ensure you don’t miss any payments you’re entitled to.