Latest news with #PensionAgeWinterHeatingPayment
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
New State Pension age review could see people working longer before retirement
The UK Government has launched the State Pension Age Review, commissioning two independent reports due to be completed by 2027. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The State Pension age is set to start rising from 66 to 67 next year, with the increase due to be completed for all men and women across the UK by 2028. The planned change to the official age of retirement has been in legislation since 2014 with a further rise from 67 to 68 set to be implemented between 2044 and 2046. The UK Governmen t has announced a new Pension Commission to investigate how to boost pension saving with its findings due to be published in 2027. Areas for consideration will include auto-enrolment saving rates, boosting saving among groups such as the self-employed and a review of the State Pension age. Dr Suzy Morrissey will report on factors the UK Government should consider relating to State Pension age and the Government Actuary's Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life in retirement. Commenting on the UK Government's plans to review the State Pension, including the age at which it is received, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: 'The Scottish Government has consistently warned the UK Government against raising the State Pension age more quickly than is needed. 'So, I welcome the fact the UK Government has committed to gathering more evidence before making any final decisions on a timeline. We look forward to the UK Government sharing their proposals with us and we will respond in due course. 'I am particularly keen to see that the difference in average life expectancies found across regions in the UK is fully considered. Otherwise, generations may be left behind, just as they have been before. 'While State Pension policy is reserved to the UK Government, we are committed to enabling older people to have a dignified retirement. That's why, for example, we are providing a Pension Age Winter Heating Payment to 720,000 more people this year, helping to ease the burden of rising energy costs.' Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'The Commission will look at state pension and whether the age at which we receive it should increase. Again, it's not an easy decision - we've seen increases in life expectancy slow down in recent years. There's also the issue of healthy life expectancy to consider. 'This currently hovers in the early 60s, so the reality is that many people cannot keep working into their late 60s. Any decision to increase state pension age further needs to take into account what needs to happen to help people remain in the workforce for longer, so they don't fall down the income gap between leaving work and taking their state pension.' She added: 'It's also an opportunity for the government to assess the long-term position of the Triple Lock. Speculation continues to swirl as to whether the Triple Lock's days are numbered but the cost of maintaining it will need to be balanced against the role it plays in helping workers, particularly those who are lower paid to meet their target retirement income.' State Pension age rise 2026-2028 The State Pension age rise from 66 to 67 will affect those born between April 6, 1960 and March 5, 1961. Anyone born between these dates is being prompted to check their State Pension age on here to find out the earliest point at which they'll be eligible for their State Pension. Check your State Pension age online Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. It may be different to the age you can get a workplace or personal pension. Anyone of any age can use the online tool at to check their State Pension age, which can be an essential part of planning your retirement. You can use the State Pension age tool to check: When you will reach State Pension age Your Pension Credit qualifying age When you will be eligible for free bus travel - this is at age 60 in Scotland Check your State Pension age online here. How to get full New State Pension Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest by Evelyn Partners, the online investment platform, said: 'People typically need at least 10 qualifying years of NI (national insurance) contributions to receive any State Pension at all and at least 35 years to receive the full New State Pension - though they don't need to be consecutive years. 'Plugging gaps can be quite an expensive process, so it is important to assess whether you actually need to buy back any missing years. This will depend on how many more years you plan to work, and whether you are eligible for NI tax credits, which fill the gaps, such as those who have been sick, were unemployed or took time out to raise a family or care for elderly relations. 'Plugging gaps in your record is relatively straightforward since the Government rolled out its new NI payments services in April last year - a State Pension forecast tool that has been checked by 3.7m since its launch.' She continued: 'People simply need to log into their personal tax account or the HMRC app to not only view any payment gaps but also check if they can plug those gaps directly through the UK Government's digital channels. 'A short survey assesses the person's suitability to pay online with those eligible to pay directly given a series of options to plug any gaps depending on when someone wants to stop working. 'Calculating whether to top up can be confusing though and ultimately there is no point paying for more years than you need because you won't get that money back.' Ms Haine added: 'People who might need to top up include those that took a career break as well as low earners or expatriates living and working abroad."
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Pensioners in Scotland to receive between £101 and £305 heating bill help before winter
The Scottish Government has confirmed the amounts, eligibility and qualifying period for Pension Age Winter Heating Payments. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? The Scottish Government has confirmed details of this year's Pension Age Winter Heating Payments (PAWHP) which are due to start landing in bank accounts from November. The devolved benefit has now replaced Winter Fuel Payments for all pensioners with a Scottish postcode and follows similar eligibility rules to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). However, Scots pensioners will see a slight increase in the amounts issued by Social Security Scotland as they increased in April as part of the annual uprating exercise. The payments of £101.70, £203.40 and £305.10 will be made automatically to pensioners born before September 21, 1959 with an income at or below £35,000. Similar to the Winter Fuel Payment policy, pensioners in Scotland will also be able to opt out receiving the payment. More information on how to do this will be available by Autumn 2025. The newly updated guidance on gives an overview of the benefit, eligibility, qualifying criteria and the payment rates. How much money you will receive is based on: your age the age of anyone you live with who is also eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment if you receive certain benefits from DWP as a joint award The guidance adds: 'Most eligible people will be paid automatically. These payments will be made from November 2025. 'If your taxable income is over £35,000, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will take back your Pension Age Winter Heating Payment through the tax system.' Remember, if your income is above £35,000 you will be able to opt out. Payment rates Full details on the payments will be published before the Autumn, but as a general guide: £101.70 - pensioners living in residential care £2003.40 - pensioners born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £305.10 - pensioners born before September 22, 1945 It had also stated that people aged between 66 and 79 on a qualifying means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit will receive £203. 40 and those aged 80 and over on a qualifying means-tested benefit will receive £305.10. Eligibility for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment Social Security Scotland will check your eligibility during the qualifying week of Monday, September 15 to Sunday, September 21, 2025. To be eligible, you must have: been born on, or before, September 21, 1959 lived in Scotland during the qualifying week You will not be eligible if you: were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole qualifying week and the 52 weeks leading up to it were in custody, under a sentence imposed by a court, for the whole qualifying week need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says you cannot claim public funds If you live in residential care Residential care means a care home or a hospital that is not part of the NHS. You will not be eligible for winter 2025 to 2026 if all the following apply to you: you were in residential care for the whole qualifying week, and you went into care before June 23, 2025, and during the qualifying week, you were in receipt of Pension Credit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support, Universal Credit To be eligible, you still need to: be born on, or before, September 21, 1959 live in Scotland You can read the latest information on this year's Pension Age Winter Heating Payment on here.
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
HMRC issues urgent Winter Fuel Payment warning to every pensioner due up to £300
Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to Winter Fuel Payments. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Millions of pensioners are being warned to be on high alert for scams linked to Winter Fuel Payments after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) received 15,100 reports of bogus activity in June. Fraudsters have been targeting vulnerable people using texts and phishing websites. Last month, HMRC acted to remove 4,600 fake websites linked to Winter Fuel Payments. The revenue body is urging people to watch out for suspect communications and to report any suspect phone calls, emails or texts via here. HMRC said it will never contact people by text to claim Winter Fuel Payments or request personal information - a statement echoed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) last month, shortly after it was announced some 9 million pensioners are set to receive between £100 and £300 later this year. HMRC said anyone who is eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment will receive the money automatically without having to make a claim. HMRC added that any recovery of the payment for pensioners whose total income is over £35,000 will be collected via pay as you earn (PAYE) or self-assessment, depending on how the person pays tax on their income. Kelly Paterson, HMRC's chief security officer, said: 'Don't be fooled by these attempts by scammers to take your money or access your personal information. 'Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they're HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard. If a phone call, text or email is suspicious or unexpected, don't give out private information or reply, and don't download attachments or click on links. 'I'm urging people to be alert to scams relating to winter fuel payments and to report any suspicious texts, phone calls or emails to HMRC.' Winter Fuel Payments in Scotland It's important for older people in Scotland to be aware that they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This follows similar eligibility criteria to DWP, but will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland on November 30. Full details can be found here - just be aware the Scottish Government has not yet updated the pages for winter 2025/26. Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. When you will not be eligible You 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 If you live in a care home 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 Payments 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 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 Payment You 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 If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment 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 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 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 here.
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Daily Record
DWP issues new Winter Fuel Payment claims warning to all pensioners
Around nine million pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 to help with winter energy bills. What are phishing scams and how can you recognise them? The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently confirmed that the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment qualifying period is September 15-21. One-off payments of between £100 and £300 will be issued automatically to around nine million people in England and Wales over November and December. Similarly, older people in Scotland will receive automatic payments of up to £305.10 through the devolved Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) on November 30. These payments will be issued by Social Security Scotland. However, DWP is warning all pensioners to be on the lookout for texts about claiming this year's Winter Fuel Payment as it is a scam. This is also something consumer champion Martin Lewis warned about shortly after the eligibility policy U-turn was announced last month. In a post on X, DWP posted: 'Beware: If you get a text about "Winter Fuel Payment" it is a Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything.' It also gave details on how to report suspicious texts at here. These 'phishing scams' enable crooks to hook innocent victims by sending convincing looking fake messages purporting to be government agencies like the DWP. But they are simply a ploy to lure people to click on a link which can take them to a fake website - which may appear completely genuine - and enter their personal and financial details, unknowingly giving criminals access to sensitive data. The DWP message is clear - Winter Fuel Payments will be issued automatically, nobody needs to claim it. Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. When you will not be eligible You 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 If you live in a care home 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 Payments 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 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 Payment You 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 If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment 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 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 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 here.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Winter Fuel Payment dates and amounts due for every pensioner eligible
The Department for Work and Pensions has issued updated guidance on Winter Fuel Payments on confirming the date and amounts due for 2025/26 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that nine million people born before 22 September 1959 will receive between £100 and £300 to assist with the increased cost of heating during the colder months. Eligible pensioners will automatically receive Winter Fuel Payments in November or December. Updated guidance on also indicates that letters will be sent out in October and November, informing pensioners of the amount they can anticipate receiving. The qualifying period for the payment - determined by age and household circumstances - is from September 15 to 21. It's crucial for elderly individuals in Scotland to note that they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been superseded by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. This follows similar eligibility criteria to the DWP, but will be automatically issued by Social Security Scotland on 30 November. Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments You are eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before 22 September 1959 and reside in England or Wales, reports the Daily Record. When you will not be eligible You 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 If you live in a care home You can receive a 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 Payments DWP guidance states: "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." 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 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 cohabit with someone else eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment may vary if you receive any of the following benefits: Pension Credit Universal Credit income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Income Support If you do not receive any of the benefits, you will receive 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 receive 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 funds will be deposited into the bank account where your benefits are typically paid. If you receive any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim), you will receive 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 exceeds £35,000, HMRC will reclaim all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return. If you reside in a care home and are eligible, you'll receive either: £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945 Regarding payment dates, the DWP has stated that most payments will be automatically made in November or December. You should receive a letter informing 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 The DWP has issued a statement: "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." For those considering opting out of the Winter Fuel Payment, it's possible to forgo all future payments. To do so, individuals must reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 15 September 2025. Comprehensive information regarding the necessary steps to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre is available on the website.
