In June the government announced changes to the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment by scrapping the need to be on a means tested benefit to qualify.

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax free payment for those living in England and Wales to help with heating costs during the winter for people who have reached State Pension age. Households will get an automatic payment of either £200 per household, or £300 where there is someone over 80. However if someone earns over £35,000, their payment will be clawed back through the tax system.

Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?

You are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025-26 if:

• you were born on or before 21 September 1959.
• you are living in England or Wales for the qualifying week.

The qualifying week is the week of 15^th to 21^st September 2025.

How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?

What you receive depends on who you live with.  If you're a state pensioner living alone aged 79 or under you get £200 or £300 if aged 80 and over. If there are two people in your household it is treated differently:

• If both people in a home are 80 or over, the total will be split evenly, with each person getting £150 (£300 total)
• If one is 80 or over and the other under 80, the older person will get £200 and the person under80 will get £100 (£300 total).
• If both are under 80, each will get £100 (£200 total).
• If only one person is eligible, that person will get £200 if under 80 or £300 if 80 or over.

This split largely only matters when it comes to clawing back the payment. For example, if one person in the household has an income of over £35,000 and the other doesn't, only the higher earner will have their payment clawed back.

What counts as 'income' for the £35,000 a year threshold?

Income will be based on your 'taxable income' which is all of your earnings that are subject to income tax. This can be complicated however in general it will include:

- Private pensions
- State Pension
- Employment or self-employment
- Non-ISA savings interest
- Any other sources subject to income tax.

Examples of things that won’t be treated as income include:

- Savings or investment income within ISAs
- Capital Gains
- The Winter Fuel Payment itself
- Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, or any other tax-free state benefits.

Can I opt out of getting the payment knowing my income is above £35,000?

You could have opted out however the deadline for opting out has passed (15th September 2025). If you didn't opt out in time and earn over £35,000, you'll have your Winter Fuel Payment clawed back through the tax system. Once you have opted out, you won't receive any future Winter Fuel Payments unless you opt back in.

When will I get the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025/26 and how will it be paid?

The government hasn’t confirmed exact dates but payments are expected to be made in November and December 2025 directly into your bank account. Payments are automatic, you do not need to do anything. 

Beware Winter Fuel Payment scams as HMRC or DWP will never contact you to claim your Winter Fuel Payment. If you get a text or email telling you that you need to claim your payment this could be a scam.  

If you have not received your Winter Fuel Payment by January 2026, you can make a claim before 31 March 2026. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.

The Winter Fuel Payment will continue to be available in both Northern Ireland and Scotland for winter 2025/26. 

Northern Ireland

The Winter Fuel Payment will be in line with the new criteria in England and Wales. The deadline to opt out has passed (15^th September 2025).

Scotland

The Scottish Government has confirmed that all pensioners will get the Winter Fuel Payment, now called the 'Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.' Those earning more than £35,000 a year will have it clawed back through the tax system.

Pensioners under 80 will receive £101.70 or £203.40 if eligible (depending on if single or couple), or £305.10 if 80 or over (per household). This will replace the previous Winter Fuel Payments and will be paid by Social Security Scotland from November.

To opt out of all future Pension Age Winter Heating Payments complete the online opt out form. The Scottish deadline to opt out of this winter's payment is 10^th October 2025.

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