From this winter, millions of pensioners in England and Wales will once again receive the Winter Fuel Payment. This benefit helps older people with heating bills during the colder months.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently updated the rules, and there are important changes for couples living together.
Let’s look at what this means for you or your loved ones.
What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off payment given every winter to help pensioners keep warm. The payment is usually between £200 and £300, depending on your age and situation.
This year, pensioners earning less than £35,000 a year will automatically receive the payment. It’s a big change from last year, when the payment was only given to those on certain benefits. At that time, the income limit was just £11,600, which meant many missed out.
Thanks to a recent government U-turn, this winter (2025), the payment is coming back for around nine million pensioners.
Who Will Get the Payment?
If your income is £35,000 or less, you will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. If you earn more than this, you will still receive it, but the money will be taken back through tax. This means it’s not completely free for high earners—it will be reclaimed through your tax code.
How Does It Work for Couples?
Here’s where it gets interesting. The payment is made per household. That means:
- If two pensioners live together, they will share the payment.
- For example, if you’re both over 80, the household will receive £300 total, which means £150 each.
However, income is checked individually. So if one partner earns over £35,000 and the other doesn’t:
- The higher earner’s share will be taken back through tax.
- The lower earner will still get their part of the payment.
This is different from how many other benefits are handled, where household income is looked at together.
What If You’re on Pension Credit?
If you and your partner are claiming Pension Credit, then you will receive the full £200 or £300 in one lump sum. There’s no split, and you won’t have to repay any of it. That’s because if your income is high enough to be taxed back, you wouldn’t qualify for Pension Credit in the first place.
Why Is This Considered a “Good System”?
Money expert Martin Lewis said this system is better than what was expected. Originally, many thought the government would base the payment on the highest earner in the household, which would have been unfair to the lower-income partner.
But now, each person’s income is looked at on its own, making it more balanced and fair.
The 2025 Winter Fuel Payment brings good news for most pensioners, especially those with incomes under £35,000. Couples will still receive support, and the payment rules now allow both partners to be treated individually.
If you’re on Pension Credit, even better—you’ll get the full amount tax-free. It’s a big step towards helping older people manage heating costs during the cold season.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025?
Pensioners living in England and Wales with an income of £35,000 or less will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
How much will pensioner couples receive?
Pensioner households will receive one payment between £200 and £300, shared based on age. For example, two pensioners over 80 would get £150 each.
Will higher earners still receive the Winter Fuel Payment?
Yes, but if a pensioner earns over £35,000, their share of the payment will be reclaimed through tax.
How does the payment work for couples with different incomes?
Each person’s income is assessed separately. If one earns above £35,000, only their portion is reclaimed via tax. The other keeps their share.
Do people on Pension Credit get the Winter Fuel Payment?
Yes, pensioner couples on Pension Credit receive the full amount, and it is not reclaimed, as they fall under the income threshold.
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