Winter Fuel Payment income threshold update for pensioners due up to £300
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced earlier this month that 9 million people born before September 22, 1959 will receive between £100 and £300 to assist with escalating heating costs throughout the winter period. Winter Fuel Payments will be distributed automatically to qualifying pensioners during November or December.
The Scottish Government will similarly distribute payments ranging from £101.70 to £305.10 to pensioners starting in November, implementing the updated approach adopted by the DWP. Pensioners earning £35,000 or less will qualify for the one-off payment, with recipients having the option to decline or repay it via the PAYE system or Self Assessment tax return.
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Treasury Minister James Murray provided a fresh update regarding the clawback procedure on Thursday following Independent MP John McDonnell's inquiry about the recovery mechanism for Winter Fuel Payments distributed to higher earners.
In his written statement, Mr Murray explained: "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 intricacies of the income threshold, he clarified: "Individuals 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."
Mr Murray further stated: "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 Payments
You're entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before September 22, 1959, and reside in England or Wales. Details on Pension Age Disability Payment can be fond here.
Circumstances where you won't qualify
You'll be disqualified 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
If you live in a care home
While those living in care homes can receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you won't qualify if both of the following conditions are met:
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
Payments
DWP guidelines state: "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 don't receive a letter but believe you should, check whether you need to submit a claim."
Be vigilant, as fraudsters may attempt to deceive you into making a claim via text message, urging you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP communication and should be disregarded. If you believe you need to make a claim, adhere to the guidance provided on GOV.UK here.
The amount you receive depends on your date of birth and your circumstances during the 'qualifying week' of 15 to 21 September 2025. Any funds received will not impact your other benefits.
If you live alone or no one in your household qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive either:
£200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
£300 if you were born before September 22, 1945
If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
If you do not receive any of the benefits, you will receive a payment of:
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
If you do not get any of the benefits
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
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits
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
If your income is more than £35,000
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 home
If 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
When you will get paid
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
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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 Payment
You 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.UK here.
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