DWP Confirms Winter Fuel Payment Available Soon- Claim In Weeks — Info, Dates, Eligibility (2025/26)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced that this year’s Winter Fuel Payment—the vital support typically issued during winter—will be ready to claim within weeks.
Most pensioners will receive the payment automatically in November or December, but some will need to apply by post or phone in September or October. Here’s everything you need to know, clearly laid out.
Who Gets It & When to Claim?
- Automatic payment: Around 9 million pensioners in England and Wales will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically, following the reversal of last year’s restriction policy.
- Claim deadlines:
- By post: from 15 September 2025
- By phone: from 13 October 2025
- Final deadline: 31 March 2026
Eligibility and Payment Levels
The qualifying week runs from 15 to 21 September 2025, and eligibility depends on age and residency during this period.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age/Residency | Born on or before 22 Sep 1959; resident in England or Wales during qualifying week |
| Payment amount | £200 (under 80); £300 (aged 80+) |
| Higher‑income clawback threshold | Income above £35,000/year |
| Opt-out deadline (high-income) | 15 September 2025 — to prevent automatic recovery via tax or Self Assessment |
| Payment timeframe | Paid in November or December 2025 |
| Claim by post | From 15 September 2025 |
| Claim by phone | From 13 October 2025 |
| Final claim deadline | 31 March 2026 |
New Means-Test Shift & Repayment Mechanics
Earlier in 2024, eligibility was narrowed to those on means-tested benefits only. But following public backlash, Winter Fuel Payments for winter 2025/26 have been expanded again, reverting to broader access but with a new £35,000 income threshold.
If income exceeds the threshold:
- PAYE taxpayers: HMRC recovers the amount via tax code adjustments in 2026/27.
- Self-assessment: Payment added to the 2025/26 tax return.
Opting Out
Eligible high-income recipients must opt out by 15 September 2025 to avoid recovery.
Avoid Scams
The DWP emphasizes that it never requests bank or personal details via text or email. Beware of phishing attempts targeting vulnerable pensioners. If in doubt, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre directly.
The 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment is back—and accessible in weeks. With eligibility widened and payment sizes at £200 or £300, it’s critical for pensioners to stay alert.
Act swiftly: if required, apply from mid-September, watch for your letter in October/November, and beware of scams. For high earners, opt out by 15 September to avoid worrying deductions later on. Stay informed and claim what’s rightfully yours this winter.
FAQs
Who needs to claim the Winter Fuel Payment manually?
If you’ve never received it before or have deferred your State Pension—and don’t get qualifying benefits—you must apply by post (from 15 Sept) or phone (from 13 Oct).
Will my payment automatically be deducted if my income is above £35,000?
Yes—unless you opt out by 15 September 2025, HMRC will recover the full amount through tax code adjustments or self-assessment.
When will I receive the payment, and how will I know?
You’ll get a letter in October or November with your payment details. Payments are then made in November or December 2025.
