The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently confirmed that 9 million people born on or before September 22, 1959, will be granted a financial boost of £100 to £300 to aid with soaring heating costs during the winter period.
Eligible pensioners can expect the Winter Fuel Payments to be disbursed automatically in November or December.
Pensioners earning up to £35,000 will qualify for the one-time payment, with options available to opt-out or reimburse the amount via PAYE or Self Assessment tax returns.
Treasury Minister James Murray provided fresh insights into the repayment mechanism on Thursday, following a query by Independent MP John McDonnell regarding the recoupment of Winter Fuel Payments given to higher earners, reports the Daily Record.
Mr Murray, in his written reply, stated: "The Government announced in June 2025 that the Winter Fuel Payment will be made universal in England and Wales from winter 2025. Subsequently, the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive have confirmed that they will mirror the approach for England and Wales.
"Winter Fuel Payments of £200 will be made for a household with someone of State Pension age and £300 for a household with someone aged 80 or over. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out of getting a payment."
Discussing the income threshold, he explained: "People who are of State Pension age and have total income over £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered through the tax system. The amount recovered will be equal to the full value of the Winter Fuel Payment.
"If a pensioner's total income is above the income threshold, it will be automatically recovered through PAYE, or through their Self-Assessment return if they pay tax that way.
"The Government will publish further details of the operational impacts on HM Revenue and Customs of making these changes in a Tax Information and Impact Note at Budget 2025, alongside draft Finance Bill legislation on the tax recovery of the Winter Fuel Payment."
Eligibility for Winter Fuel PaymentsYou can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. Details on Pension Age Disability Payment can be fond here.
When you will not be eligibleYou will not be eligible if you:
- live outside England and Wales
- were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
- need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home, however, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply:
- you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier
DWP guidance explains: "You'll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you'll get, if you're eligible.
"If you do not get a letter but think you're eligible, check if you need to make a claim."
It's important to be aware that scammers may try and trick you into making a claim by text, prompting you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP message and should be deleted. If you think you need to claim, follow the guidance on GOV.UK here.
The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 to 21 September 2025. This is called the 'qualifying week'. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.
If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel PaymentYou will get either:
- £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945
Your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
You will get a payment of:
- £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945
- £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945
One of you will get a payment of either:
- £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945
The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.
If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim)You will get a payment of either:
- £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945
HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return.
If you live in a care homeIf you are eligible you'll get either:
- £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945
DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December.
You should get a letter telling you:
- how much you'll get
- which bank account it will be paid into - this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits
DWP added: "If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre."
Opting out of Winter Fuel PaymentYou can choose to opt out of getting all future Winter Fuel Payments. To opt out you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025. Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on GOV.UKhere.
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