Winter fuel payments: Who is eligible, how much you’ll get, when are payments made and should you opt out?
By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor
After we featured expert advice that pensioners earning over £35,000 should consider opting out of the winter fuel payment to avoid a tax headache, lots of readers have asked how the revamped scheme works.
A government U-turn means all state-aged pensioners will now receive the payment to help with their energy bills, but HMRC will take it back from anyone whose gross income is more than £35,000.
Here, we try to answer all the questions that came into our mailbox – and a few more.
(Most of the information in this guide covers England and Wales – you can find out the situation in Scotland and Northern Ireland at the bottom.)
Who gets it?
For 2025-26, it’s anyone born on or before 21 September 1959.
If that person’s gross income exceeds £35,000, the payment will be recovered through the tax system later on (keep reading for more on this).
You need to be living in England or Wales for this year’s qualifying week, which is 15 to 21 September in 2025.
Apart from those with an income over £35,000, will anyone miss out?
These three groups are not eligible:
- Anyone in hospital getting free treatment for the whole week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that;
- Anyone who needs permission to enter the UK and their granted leave says they cannot claim public funds;
- Anyone in prison for the whole week of 15 to 21 September 2025.
You can get the payment if you live in a care home but these conditions apply.
Payment is automatic
Generally, payments are automatic without the need to apply.
You do need to claim if:
- You’ve never received the winter fuel payment;
- You’ve deferred your state pension since your last winter fuel payment.
How much will I get? Over-80s
If you were born before 22 September 1945:
- £300 if you live alone or your partner doesn’t qualify for whatever reason;
- £200 if you live with someone else who is under 80 and qualifies (they will receive the other £100);
- £150 if you live with someone who qualifies and is also 80 or older (they will receive the other £150).
How much will I get? Under-80s
If you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959:
- £200 if you do not live with anyone else who qualifies;
- £100 if you live with someone else who qualifies for a payment – regardless of their age (they’ll get the other £100 or £200).
I’m on benefits
If you or your partner receive pension credit, universal credit or income-related employment and support allowance, one person will be paid the whole payment for your household – either £200 or £300, depending on their age.
This also applies if both of you are on benefits.
When will payments be made this year?
If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November confirming how much you’ll get.
Payments will go directly into your account between November and December.
If you still haven’t received anything by January, don’t panic – contact the helpline on 0800 731 0160. Claims can be made right up until the end of March.
I earn over £35,000 – how will the money be taken back?
HMRC will reclaim the payment by adjusting your PAYE tax code for the 2026-27 tax year or by adding the payment amount to your 2025-26 self-assessment tax return.
We’re in a couple – only one of us earns over £35,000
Pensions minister Torsten Bell was asked this specific question in parliament.
He said: “If one has an income above £35,000, their payment will be recouped by HMRC automatically, but if the other has an income level below £35,000, they will retain the winter fuel payment. I hope that clarifies things.”
Therefore, a couple in this scenario will receive their payments as outlined earlier in this post – but the partner with an income over £35,000 will get theirs taken back.
Why are some people opting out?
Financial experts have warned that those in favour of a “simple life” may want to opt out to prevent any clawbacks. Read more here…
Can I still opt out?
Yes, you can opt out before 15 September 2025.
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 or sort it online at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim. You can change your mind any time before the end of March 2026.
What income is included?
You can check your gross income and how much they’ll take back here.
Any salary, pensions and regular savings are included.
But the following are not included in your gross income: income from ISAs, capital gains, tax-free state benefits such as pension credit or attendance allowance, and the winter fuel payment itself.
Other help available with energy bills
- A cold weather payment can be payable if you’re on certain benefits and the temperature drops to 0C or below for 7 days in a row;
- A £150 warm home discount on your bills is available if you get pension credit or live in a low-income household;
- Local councils give out money via the household support fund.
Northern Ireland
Eligibility rules will be the same as for England and Wales, so you might be eligible – find out here.
Scotland
There’s no winter fuel payment but you might be eligible for pension age winter heating payment.
