With energy bills still high and the cost of living putting pressure on many older people, the Winter Fuel Payment can be a vital source of support. But in 2025, there’s been a lot of confusion over who will still receive it, and what new rules apply.
What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help people over State Pension age with heating costs during the winter months. Up until now it has not been means tested or dependent on income. Most people receive:
- £200 to £300, depending on age and circumstances
- Payments are usually made between November and January
In previous years, the payment included an extra £300 cost-of-living top-up, which has now ended.
Will you get Winter Fuel Payment?
Eligibility is based on your age and place of residence during the qualifying week (the third full week of September).
For winter 2025/26, the qualifying week will be 15th to 21st September 2025.
You will need to have reached State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week to be eligible.
Winter Fuel Payment is usually paid automatically but you will be able to ‘opt out’ if you wish.
What’s Changing in 2025/26?
Several changes have been made this year. Here’s what you need to know:
In early 2025, the government proposed scrapping the universal nature of the Winter Fuel Payment. They planned to limit payments to only those receiving means-tested benefits, like: Pension Credit or Universal Credit.
But following a public and political backlash, the government made a U-turn. Campaigners, charities, and older people’s groups raised concerns that:
- Many older people with modest pensions but no benefits would lose out
- People who are entitled to help (like Pension Credit) often don’t claim it
- It would unfairly punish people who had saved for retirement
As a result, the plan was dropped. The Winter Fuel Payment remains available to all older people who meet the age and residency rules.
New Income Rule Introduced: Over £35,000? You’ll Have to Pay It Back
From winter 2025/26, if your total income is over £35,000 a year, you will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically — but it will be recovered later via HMRC.
This means:
- The payment becomes effectively repayable for higher-income pensioners
- It may be recovered through tax code adjustments or Self-Assessment returns
Savings Do Not Affect the Winter Fuel Payment – But Can Impact Related Benefits
There is no savings limit for the Winter Fuel Payment itself.
However, savings can affect other benefits that may entitle you to a higher Winter Fuel Payment, such as Pension Credit.
What do you need to do? Nothing.
Winter Fuel Payment as usually made automatically, but you can:
- Check whether you meet the age and residency criteria
- Review your income — if it’s close to or over £35,000, be aware of HMRC recovery
- Check if you qualify for Pension Credit — even a small award could entitle you to a higher WFP or other support
- Watch for payment notifications — most people are paid by January 2026
- Decide whether you would prefer to ‘opt out’
Look out for your payment — Most people will be paid in November or December 2025. If you haven’t received it by January, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Need Help Understanding Your Entitlement?
We know how confusing benefits can be — and how quickly the rules change. If you’re unsure whether you or a loved one should receive the Winter Fuel Payment or may qualify for any other benefits, Care Navigators can help make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
