This winter, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering a £100 payment to couples under the age of 80, who have an income of £35,000 or below.
This new initiative is part of a broader shift in the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment, following changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week.
The move comes after many pensioners were excluded from receiving the payment last winter due to restrictions based on Pension Credit eligibility.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment
The eligibility criteria for this winter’s fuel payment have been updated to benefit a larger group of pensioners. Previously, the payment was restricted to those claiming Pension Credit or other income-related benefits.
However, following a government U-turn, approximately nine million pensioners in England and Wales will now be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if they meet the following conditions:
- You must be of State Pension age (currently 66 years old) by the end of the qualifying week, which will run from Monday, September 15 to Sunday, September 21, 2025.
- You must have an income of £35,000 or below. Those with higher incomes can still receive the payment but will need to repay it through their tax returns.
If you meet these criteria, you will receive an automatic payment from the DWP. The payment amount is based on your age and household situation.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount of the Winter Fuel Payment depends on the age of the pensioner and whether they live alone or with others. The payments are:
- £200 per household for those aged 66 to 79.
- £300 per household for those aged 80 or over.
For pensioner couples who are both under 80 years old and are not on an income-related benefit like Pension Credit, the DWP will issue a shared payment of £100 each, meaning each person in the couple will receive £100.
What About Pensioners with Higher Incomes?
Pensioners whose annual income exceeds £35,000 will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment. However, these individuals will have to repay the payment to HMRC.
The repayment will be automatically deducted through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system, or, if you file a Self-Assessment tax return, the amount will be reclaimed via that process.
The Impact of the Change
This change in eligibility means that millions more pensioners will receive the Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
The number of people eligible for the payment is set to rise dramatically from 1.5 million last year to about nine million this year, thanks to the government’s decision to restore payments to the vast majority of pensioners.
This will provide much-needed support as pensioners face rising energy costs.
Winter Fuel Payment in Northern Ireland and Scotland
The Winter Fuel Payment policy is also relevant in Northern Ireland, although the policy is devolved to Scotland.
This means that while the DWP handles payments for England and Wales, the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive will receive additional funding to adjust their own policies.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an important initiative that aims to support pensioners during the cold winter months. Thanks to the government’s policy change, many pensioners who were previously excluded will now receive financial help with their energy bills.
If you are eligible, you don’t need to apply—payments will be made automatically. However, if you are over the £35,000 income threshold, ensure that you repay the payment as required through HMRC.
As the winter months approach, this payment will offer much-needed relief to millions of pensioners, helping them manage energy costs more effectively.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
To be eligible, you must be of State Pension age (currently 66 years old) by the end of the qualifying week, which runs from September 15 to September 21, 2025. Additionally, your annual income should be £35,000 or below.
How much will I get from the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you are aged between 66 and 79, you will receive £200 per household. If you are 80 or older, you will receive £300. Pensioner couples under 80, not on income-related benefits, will receive £100 each.
Do I need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment?
No, the payment is made automatically. If you are eligible, the DWP will deposit the payment directly into your bank account.
What happens if I earn more than £35,000?
If your income exceeds £35,000, you will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but you will need to repay it through HMRC. This can be done through PAYE or your Self-Assessment tax return.
Will the Winter Fuel Payment be available in Northern Ireland and Scotland?
Yes, while the DWP handles the payments for England and Wales, the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive will receive additional funding to adjust their own policies regarding the Winter Fuel Payment.
