A major change to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment means that everyone over State Pension age (66), with an income of £35,000 or below will now benefit from the tax-free payment worth up to £300 per household. Last winter the payment was restricted to those who claimed Pension Credit.  

Winter Fuel Payment eligibility is no longer tied to Pension Credit in England and Wales

The government has announced that claiming Pension Credit is no longer key to getting the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales. Instead, the payment of up to £300 per household will be made automatically to all pensioners, however, If you have yearly taxable earnings above £35,000 most of the money will be automatically taken back by HMRC. If you have yearly taxable earnings of £35,000 or less, you will keep the payment.

This is a major change in eligibility, and it is estimated that around three quarters of all pensioners will now get – and keep - the tax-free payment this winter. More details about the 2025/26 payment will be available on GOV.UK at the end of June.

Has the Winter Fuel Payment been reinstated to all pensioners?

No. While all pensioners will get the payment from this winter, only those pensioners who have earnings on or below £35,000 will keep their payment. Everybody else will have their payment automatically recovered by HMRC.

How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?

You will be entitled to a payment of either £200 or £300 depending on your age or your partner’s if you have one. 

• a household with someone aged 66-79 will receive £200
• a household with someone aged 80 or over will receive £300. 

Find out full details about the winter fuel payment on GOV.UK.

What counts as ‘taxable earnings’?

Income from private pensions, the State Pension, employment, and savings interest, all count as taxable income. GOV.UK has a handy summary of what counts as taxable income. But some benefits such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, and savings interest that’s inside an ISA wrapper do not count as taxable income. If you’re not sure what benefits do and do not count, visit GOV.UK.

Scotland has the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment

In Scotland the Winter Fuel Payment is being replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, worth up to £300 for the winter of 2025/26. It has not yet been confirmed if the eligibility will be in line with England and Wales. 

What about Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, the Winter Fuel Payment, is worth between £250 and £600. Northern Ireland's communities minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that the Executive will look to expand the payments in line with the new criteria in England and Wales. For full details see the Winter Fuel Payment page on NI Direct. 

Can I get the Winter Fuel Payment at 65?

No. If you are 65, you’re under State Pension age, and will not be entitled to the payment if you live alone. However, if you live with your partner who is over State Pension age, your partner will be eligible and will get a Winter Fuel Payment for your household. If their earnings are on or under £35,000 per year your household will keep the payment.

If you are struggling with energy bills there is more help available

The Winter Fuel Payment is just one form of support you could get if you’re struggling with heating costs. MoneyHelper have a whole guide on How to reduce your energy bills to help make sure you’re not paying more than you need to.  

You could also get: 

• a Cold Weather Payment - if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven days in a row you can get £25 for every seven-day period. See more in MoneyHelper's blog Who is entitled to Cold Weather Payments?  
• the Warm Home Discount - this is a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household. See What is the Warm Home Discount and how can I apply?
• targeted benefits - there are different benefits that a designed to help people meet their living costs in retirement. See MoneyHelper's Benefits in retirement guide for how to apply.