The DWP is warning individuals to stay vigilant against fraudulent messages concerning the Winter Fuel Payment. This payment, valued at £200 or £300 for households with individuals over 80, is distributed in November and December to pensioners born before September 22, 1959.
Even if your income exceeds £35,000, you will still receive the payment but will need to reimburse it through the tax system. Opting out of the payment is feasible but must be done via the official GOV.UK website or by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre through mail or phone.
Those considering opting out must do so by September 15, 2025. The DWP issued a caution on Twitter, advising people to be cautious of scammers spreading misinformation about the Winter Fuel Payment and opt-out procedures.
Income eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment is determined per individual. If one partner earns £30,000 while the other earns £40,000, only one person will retain their share of the payment.
If you are receiving specific benefits during the qualifying week, set between September 15 to 21, 2025, you will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment. Individuals not receiving these benefits need to submit a claim if they have not received the payment before or have deferred their state pension since the last payment.
Claims can be made by post starting September 15 or by phone from October 15. Eligibility is based on age at the end of the qualifying week. Certain circumstances, such as being in hospital or prison during the qualifying week, may make you ineligible for the payment.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been substituted with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.