Sylvie Willis
The Winter Fuel Payment is a benefit offered by the government to help older people with their heating bills during the coldest period of the year. Previously, it was paid to all pensioners, but recent changes mean that it is now restricted to those on low incomes who receive specified benefits. The amount of Winter Fuel Payment a couple receives depends on their age and income. For example, a couple each aged under 80 will be paid £100 per person, while a couple with one member aged over 80 will receive £300. The payment is typically made automatically, and most eligible people will receive it in November or December.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | People in Northern Ireland born before 22 September 1959 |
| Amount | Between £100 and £300 |
| Income criteria | Annual income of £35,000 or less |
| Payment method | Paid directly into the bank account |
| Opt-out option | Yes, by filling out a form or calling a helpline |
| Other benefits | Cold Weather Payment, Warm Home Discount, Household Support Fund |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment to help older people with their heating costs during the colder months. The payment is made directly into the recipient's bank account.
For the year 2025-2026, the payment will be made to everyone in Northern Ireland born before 22 September 1959. If you are eligible, you will receive a letter in October or November stating the amount you will be paid. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025.
The amount of the Winter Fuel Payment depends on your age and that of the person you live with. If you and the person you live with were both born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, you will receive £100. If you were born before 22 September 1945 but the person you live with was born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, you will receive £200. If both you and the person you live with were born before 22 September 1945, you will receive £150.
You do not need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment. If you are eligible, you will receive the payment automatically. However, if your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. You can opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment if you do not want to receive it.
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Northern Ireland and Scotland payments
Northern Ireland
You might be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment from the Northern Ireland Executive if you were born before 22 September 1959. Eligibility rules are the same as for England and Wales. Most eligible people will be paid automatically in November or December 2025. You can opt out of getting the Winter Fuel Payment if you do not want to receive it.
Scotland
Winter Fuel Payment is no longer available to people living in Scotland. Instead, a new benefit called the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will be paid by the DWP in 2024 and by Social Security Scotland in 2025. If you are eligible, you should get your payment automatically and will be notified by letter.
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Income thresholds
The income threshold for Winter Fuel Payment eligibility is £35,000 of taxable (gross) income per year. If your income is over this threshold, HMRC will take back your Winter Fuel Payment by either changing your tax code for the following tax year or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return. This means that if you receive a Winter Fuel Payment and your income exceeds the threshold, you will need to pay it back through the tax system at a later date.
The income threshold applies to individuals, and there is no specific threshold amount for couples. However, the amount of Winter Fuel Payment you receive as a couple depends on both your ages and your respective incomes. For example, if one person in the couple was born before 22 September 1945 and the other was born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, the couple would receive a payment of £100. On the other hand, if both individuals in the couple were born before 22 September 1945, they would receive a payment of £150.
It is important to note that the income threshold of £35,000 is per person, not per couple. So, if both individuals in the couple have incomes over £35,000, they would each need to repay their respective Winter Fuel Payments. Additionally, the income threshold applies to taxable income, so it includes all sources of income that are subject to tax, such as employment income, investment income, and any other taxable payments or benefits.
To check if your income is over the threshold, you can refer to your tax returns or seek advice from a tax professional. It is important to be aware of the income threshold to understand your eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment and to ensure you are compliant with any repayment requirements if your income exceeds the threshold.
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Opting out of Winter Fuel Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free payment to help with heating costs during the colder months, aiding older people with their heating bills. If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. You can check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back.
You can opt out of getting the Winter Fuel Payment if you do not want to receive it. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025. You can opt out before 15 September 2025 by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 or online at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim to say you do not want to receive a Winter Fuel Payment. You can also fill in the opt-out form or call the helpline. If you change your mind later, you can still make a claim by 31 March 2026.
Pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can complete an online opt-out form. It is also possible to opt out by calling or writing to HMRC. This must be done before 15 September 2025. The Scottish Government says that more information on opting out of the winter heating payment will be published in autumn 2025.
If you live in a care home and you don't receive benefits, your Winter Fuel Payment is £100 if you are under 80, and £150 if you are 80 or older. Payments are automatic, and you do not need to do anything. If you have not received your Winter Fuel Payment by January 2026, you can make a claim before 31 March 2026.
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Other support
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free lump sum payment to help older people with their heating bills during winter. The amount you receive depends on your age and that of the person you live with, as well as your income. For the 2025-2026 period, those born before 22 September 1959 could receive between £100 and £300.
If you are struggling with the cost of heating your home, there are other support options available. These include:
- Cold Weather Payment - if you receive certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
- Warm Home Discount - a £150 discount on your energy bills if you receive Pension Credit or live in a low-income household.
- Household Support Fund - provided you meet the eligibility criteria set by your local council.
- Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
You can also opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment if you do not require it.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of money a couple receives in their winter fuel payment depends on their age and income. For example, a couple each aged under 80 will be paid £100 per person. If one person in the couple earns more than £35,000 and the other earns less, the higher-income earner will not receive anything, and the lower-income earner will receive half the payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 to 2026 will be made to everyone in Northern Ireland born before 22 September 1959. People could get between £100 and £300 to help pay their winter heating bills.
To be eligible for a winter fuel payment, you must be a pensioner with an annual income of £35,000 or less.
