Nine million elderly individuals will receive assistance with their winter heating expenses starting in November. The Department of Work and Pensions has disclosed further details regarding the operation of this year’s Winter Fuel Payments program. This announcement follows a significant policy reversal by the government due to widespread criticism of the eligibility criteria.
Approximately 80% of senior citizens in England and Wales are now expected to benefit from the support. Eligible recipients will be notified of their allocated amount, either £200 or £300 per household, via letter in October or November. The majority will receive the payment automatically between November and December.
It is crucial to emphasize that there is no need to apply for the payment, as scammers have been exploiting the situation by offering fake links and phone numbers for claims. Individuals who have not received their Winter Fuel Payment by January are advised to make a claim before March 31, 2026, by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment helpline at 0800 731 0160.
While all pensioners are entitled to the payment, those with an annual income exceeding £35,000 will have the amount deducted. Individuals above this income threshold can choose to opt out before the September 15 deadline; otherwise, the money will be recouped through the tax system.
For pensioners still under PAYE, including those with private pensions, HMRC will adjust their tax code to collect the payment automatically. However, if they have already submitted a self-assessment tax return, the payment will be accounted for in their income starting from the 2025 to 2026 tax return due by January 31, 2027.
To qualify for the winter fuel payment, at least one household member must have been born before September 22, 1959, and reside in England or Wales. Individuals over State Pension age could be eligible for £200, while those over 80 could receive £300, both amounts per household.
Recipients of Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance will receive the full winter fuel payment for the household. Payments are made on a household basis, and only the proportion corresponding to an income above £35,000 will be reclaimed.
For instance, if one member of a couple over 80 has an income exceeding £35,000 while the other does not, only the higher earner will forfeit a portion of the payment. The remaining individual would receive £150. If both partners are aged between 70 and 80, the household payment would be £200.
Pensions minister Torsten Bell affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting pensioners, citing the annual rise in the state pension by £1,900 due to the triple lock system.