How much is the Winter Fuel Payment this year

ByThiago SF

In the United Kingdom, keeping homes warm is a matter of dignity and public security.

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Each year, as temperatures fall, millions of pensioners and vulnerable citizens depend on the Winter Fuel Payment to help with their heating costs.

For 2025/26, the government has confirmed new rates and clearer eligibility rules under the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

1️⃣ What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment from the UK government.
Its purpose is simple: to help people of pension age afford to heat their homes during the colder months.

You don’t have to repay it, and in most cases, you don’t even need to apply — the payment is made automatically if you already receive the State Pension or certain benefits.

This initiative reflects the government’s long-term commitment to protect older citizens from fuel poverty, ensuring no one faces a winter without warmth.

2️⃣ 2025/26 Payment Rates: How Much You’ll Receive

The amount you get depends on your age, household composition, and living situation.
Here’s what the government confirmed for this winter (2025/26):

  • 💰 If you live alone or with someone not eligible:
    • £200 if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959
    • £300 if you were born before 22 September 1945
  • 🏠 If you live with another person who’s also eligible:
    • £100 each if both were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959
    • £150 each if both were born before 22 September 1945
    • £200 total if one was born before and the other after 1945
  • 🧓 If you live in a care home:
    • £100 if born between 1945–1959
    • £150 if born before 1945

In summary:
➡️ Most households receive £200, and those with someone aged 80 or over receive £300.

This year’s amounts remain consistent with last winter, maintaining essential support during the cost-of-living pressures that continue to affect millions.

3️⃣ The £35,000 Income Limit: Clawback Rule

A new rule for 2025/26 introduces a £35,000 income threshold.
If your total taxable income exceeds this amount, the Winter Fuel Payment may be reclaimed by HMRC through your tax code or self-assessment return.

While the payment itself remains tax-free, the clawback ensures that the benefit continues to reach those most in need — a balance between social fairness and fiscal responsibility.

4️⃣ When You’ll Be Paid (Schedule & Processing)

Payments are usually issued between November and December, directly to your bank or building society.

Most recipients receive their funds automatically, appearing as “DWP WFP” on their statement.

If you don’t receive it by January 2026, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to report it.

The government guarantees that all eligible applications submitted by 31 March 2026 will still be processed.

5️⃣ Who Qualifies and Special Cases

To qualify this year, you must have been born before 22 September 1959 and reside in the UK during the qualifying week — typically in late September.

However, some people living abroad may also qualify if they have a “genuine and sufficient link” to the UK — for example, having lived or worked there for many years.

You usually get the payment automatically if you receive:

  • The State Pension, or
  • Certain benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance.

If you’ve deferred your State Pension, or moved abroad recently, you may need to apply manually.

6️⃣ How to Claim or Contact the DWP

If you’re not paid automatically, you can apply by phone, post, or online.

📞 Helpline (UK): 0800 731 0160
🌍 From outside the UK: +44 (0)191 218 7777
📬 Postal Address:
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton WV98 1LR

Applications open 15 September 2025, and you must claim before 31 March 2026.
Relay UK users can call 18001 0800 731 0160 if they need textphone access.

7️⃣ Deadlines, Opt-Out, and Caution

You can opt out if you don’t wish to receive the payment — this is sometimes done for tax or personal reasons.

But if you change your mind later, you’ll need to reapply.

Be cautious: the DWP never sends texts or emails asking for bank details.
All official communication comes through letters or GOV.UK notifications only.

8️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ Who gets £300 instead of £200?
Those aged 80 or over or living with someone in that age bracket receive the higher amount.

2️⃣ Is the Winter Fuel Payment taxable?
No — it’s tax-free. However, if your income exceeds £35,000, HMRC may reclaim it through tax adjustments.

3️⃣ When are payments made?
Between November and December each year, usually before Christmas.

4️⃣ What if I didn’t receive my payment?
Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 31 March 2026 to report it.

5️⃣ Can I receive it if I live abroad?
Yes, if you have strong ties to the UK and live in certain European Economic Area countries.

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