Nine million pensioners will get help with their winter heating bills from November.
The Department of Work and Pensions has given more details about how this year’s Winter Fuel Payments scheme will operate. It comes after a major U-turn from the government over eligibility in the face of widespread criticism.
The government says around 80% of pensioners in England and Wales will now get support. Those who are eligible will receive a letter in October or November telling them how much they will receive – either £200 or £300 per household. Most will then get the payment automatically in November or December.
That automatic element is vital for people to remember because somewhat inevitably callous scammers have piled in, giving bonus links and phone numbers for people to claim. To repeat, you don’t need to apply.
If you haven’t received your Winter Fuel Payment by January next year, you can make a claim before March 31, 2026. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
While all pensioners will get the money, it will be clawed back from those whose income is over £35,000 a year. Those above that level can opt out of receiving the money but must do so before a deadline of September 15. If they don’t then the money will be recovered through the tax system.
For those still on PAYE (pay as you earn) – including those still earning or many private pensions – it will mean HMRC will automatically collect the payment through a change to their tax code.
That is unless they have already filed a self assessment tax return. If they do this then HMRC will automatically include the payment on their tax return as part of their income, starting from the 2025 to 2026 tax return, which is due by January 31 2027.
To be eligible for a winter fuel payment at least one person in the household needs to have been born before September 22 1959, and live in England or Wales.
If you or your partner are over State Pension age then you could receive £200 towards your bills, and if you or your partner are over 80, you could receive £300. Both are per household.
If you or your partner get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income related Employment and Support Allowance, one person will be paid the whole winter fuel payment for the household.
The winter fuel payment is made on a per household basis but if someone’s income is over £35,000 then only their proportion will be clawed back.
So if a couple are both aged over 80 but one person has an income of over £35,000 and their parent doesn’t, only the higher earner will miss out on it, while the other will get £150. If both are aged over 70 but under 80, the payment is £200 per household.
Pensions minister Torsten Bell said “We are committed to supporting pensioners and thanks to our triple lock, millions will see their yearly state pension rise by £1,900 this parliament.“