Good news for pensioners in England and Wales: the government has changed the rules on Winter Fuel Payments for 2025. After cutting support last year, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has now announced that around 9 million pensioners will receive the payment this winter.
This change comes after heavy criticism in 2024 when the payment was only given to pensioners on certain benefits. That left many older people without much-needed help to stay warm during the cold months.
Let’s explain what’s changed and how much you could get.
What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-time payment given every year to help older people pay for heating in the winter. This year, most pensioners will be eligible if their yearly income is £35,000 or less.
The payment will be between £200 and £300, depending on your age and household. If your income is over the limit, you will still get the money upfront—but it will be taken back through the tax system.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, you must:
- Live in England or Wales
- Be born before 22 September 1959
- Have a yearly taxable income of £35,000 or less
Even if your income is higher, you’ll still receive the payment, but HMRC will reclaim the amount through tax.
You can also choose to opt out of receiving the payment if you don’t want it.
How Much Will You Get?
The payment amount depends on your age and whether you live alone or with someone else.
Here’s how it works:
If you live alone or with someone who also qualifies:
- If you’re under 80, the household gets £200
- If you or your partner are over 80, the household gets £300
If you’re in a couple and both qualify:
- Both under 80: £100 each
- One over 80: £200 for the older partner, £100 for the younger
- Both over 80: £150 each
What If You’re on Pension Credit?
If you or your partner get Pension Credit (an income-related benefit), you won’t share the payment—you’ll each get the full amount:
- £200 or £300 based on your age
- No part of the payment will be reclaimed through tax
This is because your income is already low enough to qualify for extra support.
What If One Partner Earns More?
If one person in a couple earns more than £35,000 and the other doesn’t, the payment is split. The high earner’s share will be taken back through the tax system. So:
- The low-income partner will keep their share (e.g., £100 or £150)
- The high-income partner’s share will be reclaimed
For example, if both are under 80 and one earns above £35,000, only £100 will be kept. The other £100 will be taxed back.
The government’s decision to bring back the Winter Fuel Payment for millions of pensioners is a big relief. With a clear income limit of £35,000, most people over State Pension age will qualify.
Whether you live alone or with a partner, knowing your age and income can help you figure out exactly how much you’ll get. And for those on Pension Credit, full support remains in place without any tax clawbacks.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025?
Anyone living in England or Wales, born before 22 September 1959, with a taxable income of £35,000 or less qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment.
How much Winter Fuel Payment will I receive?
You’ll receive either £200 or £300 depending on your age and household. If both are over 80, it’s £300. If under 80, it’s £200. Payments are shared in couples.
Will high-income pensioners still get the Winter Fuel Payment?
Yes, but if your income is over £35,000, your portion of the payment will be reclaimed by HMRC through the tax system.
What happens if one person in a couple earns more than £35,000?
Each person is assessed individually. The high earner’s share will be taxed back, but the other partner will still keep their eligible share.
Do pensioners on Pension Credit receive a full Winter Fuel Payment?
Yes, if you’re on Pension Credit, you get the full £200 or £300 payment individually. It won’t be taxed back or shared.
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