The Winter Fuel Payment which used to be paid automatically to all state pensioners, was changed in 2024 to only those on Pension Credit. In 2025, it will once again go to all state pensioners, except those earning more than £35,000 will repay have to it.
Pensioners above the £35,000 threshold will have the full amount of the Winter Fuel Payment they received automatically collected via PAYE, or via their Self-Assessment return. No one will need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action.
Those who are of state pension age but aged under 80, so born on or before September 22, 1958, and who qualify will get a £200 payment, whereas those aged over 80 – so born on September 23, 1944 or earlier – will get £300.
The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 15 and 21 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.
Most people who qualify will get a letter telling them how much they will get and which bank account this will be paid into – which is usually the same as for your Pension Credit or other benefits.
“You should receive your payment between mid-November and Christmas. Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if you have any enquiries or you don’t receive your payment.”