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This winter, pensioner couples under 80, with an annual income of £35,000 or less, will receive a £100 payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Changes to Eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment
In a recent announcement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed a significant shift in the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment. This change is set to restore the payment to the vast majority of pensioners who were excluded last winter due to previous restrictions.
The Labour Party had limited the payment to those claiming Pension Credit or other income-related benefits, as part of an effort to address a £22 billion gap in the national budget.
As a result, the number of eligible pensioners drastically dropped from around 11.4 million to just 1.5 million. However, due to a government U-turn, the new eligibility criteria will allow approximately nine million pensioners in England and Wales to qualify for the payment this winter, provided they meet the updated requirements.
Eligibility Criteria: Age, Income, and Location
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, applicants must meet certain age and location criteria during the qualifying week, which runs from Monday, September 15 to Sunday, September 21, 2025.
- Age Requirement: A person must have reached State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week (September 21, 2025). The current State Pension age is 66 years for both men and women.
- Location: Applicants must be residing in England or Wales during the qualifying week.
Winter Fuel Payment Amounts
For eligible households, the Winter Fuel Payment offers a standard amount of £200 per household. However, if someone in the household is over 80 years old, the payment increases to £300.
In cases where both members of a pensioner couple are under 80 years old and not claiming Pension Credit, the payment will be shared. This means that each member of the couple will receive £100, totaling £200 for the household.
Impact on Higher-Income Pensioners
For pensioners with an income exceeding £35,000 per year, the Winter Fuel Payment will be automatically reclaimed by HMRC. This will occur through the PAYE system or in their Self-Assessment tax return.
Future Payments and Regional Variations
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 period, HM Treasury confirmed that the Winter Fuel Payments for households in England and Wales will remain at £200 for households that include someone between State Pension age and 79, and £300 for households that include someone aged 80 or older.
For households that are not receiving income-related benefits like Pension Credit, a shared payment will be issued. For example, a couple under 80 and not claiming Pension Credit will each receive £100.
It’s important to note that Winter Fuel Payments are managed differently in Northern Ireland, and the policy is devolved to Scotland. Both the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive will receive increased funding to account for the changes in England and Wales.
The Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 brings significant changes for pensioner couples, with under-80s now able to receive a £100 payment each if they meet the new eligibility requirements.
The update offers substantial support for those in need, particularly after the previous restrictions limited eligibility.
This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to addressing financial pressures on older citizens while making the system more inclusive.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025?
The payment is available to pensioners who have reached State Pension age (currently 66) by the qualifying week, are residing in England or Wales, and have an income of £35,000 or less per year.
How much will pensioners under 80 receive?
Pensioners under 80 who are not on Pension Credit will receive £100 each, while a couple under 80 can receive a combined £200.
Will higher-income pensioners receive the Winter Fuel Payment?
Pensioners with an income above £35,000 will not receive the payment directly, as it will be reclaimed by HMRC through PAYE or Self-Assessment tax returns.