Winter Fuel Payments are being distributed to eligible pensioner households to assist with energy costs during the colder months. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the majority of the approximately 9 million qualifying households for the 2025/26 payments should have received a one-off sum of either £100, £200, or £300 by November or December 2025.
In a recent update, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provided important guidance for pensioners whose annual income exceeds the £35,000 threshold. According to HMRC, “Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.” This means that those who receive the payment will not need to report it on their tax returns until the following year.
For pensioners with an income that surpasses the threshold, HMRC will reclaim the Winter Fuel Payment either through the Self Assessment process or by adjusting their PAYE code. Individuals uncertain about their repayment obligations before the deadline can utilize the online verification tool available on the HMRC website.
Eligibility and Payment Details
The DWP is distributing Winter Fuel Payments to eligible pensioners in England and Wales, with amounts ranging from £100 to £300. The specific amount depends on various factors, including age, living situation, and residency status during the qualifying week, which was held from September 15 to 21, 2025. To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, individuals must be born on or before September 22, 1959 and have an annual income of £35,000 or less.
Pensioners residing in care homes may receive a payment of £101.70. Those aged between 66 and 79 are eligible for £203.40, while individuals aged 80 or above can receive up to £305.10.
Pensioners who believe they are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment and have not yet submitted a claim have until the end of March 2026 to contact the DWP. As the colder months approach, these payments serve as an essential support system for many pensioner households, helping them manage rising energy costs.
