Exact date millions of pensioners will qualify for Winter Fuel Payment
In a huge U-turn, it was confirmed that pensioners will now receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year if they earn below £35,000 a year - we explain the full eligibility below
The exact date millions of pensioners will qualify for Winter Fuel Payments later this year has been revealed. It comes after a major change to the eligibility criteria was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week.
Since last year, Winter Fuel Payments have only been paid to those in receipt of means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
These payments used to be available universally to everyone over state pension age, regardless of their income or benefit entitlement.
The decision to narrow the scope of Winter Fuel Payments was met with fierce criticism from MPs and charities, who warned the decision would leave many older people in poverty.
But in a huge U-turn yesterday, it was confirmed that pensioners will now receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year if they earn below £35,000 a year.
Labour says approximately nine million pensioners will receive Winter Fuel Payments in England and Wales this year as a result of these changes. There are different systems in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Winter Fuel Payments are worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80. Your eligibility will be based on your age by the end of the qualifying week.
The qualifying week changes every year, but for winter 2025/26, the Government has confirmed it will be September 15 to September 21, 2025.
Rachel Reeves said: 'Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government.
'It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest.
'But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter.'
If you earn above £35,000 a year, you will still get the payment - but then you will have to pay it back. HMRC will clawback the payment via PAYE, or through self-assessment return.
You can choose to opt out of receiving the payment if your earnings are above £35,000, with details to be confirmed. The income eligibility is based per person - but the Winter Fuel Payment will still be issued per household.
For example, if you have two people living together and one earns £30,000 a year and the other earns £40,000, one person would keep their share of the Winter Fuel Payment but the other would pay it back.
Winter Fuel Payments are paid automatically, with most people normally receiving the cash into their bank accounts from November. Winter Fuel Payments are tax-free payment and do not affect any benefits you may receive.
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