Tue, 16 Sep 2025

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 How much is the winter fuel payment and who will get it?

About nine million pensioners will get the winter fuel payment this year, after a government U-turn.

* Around 9 million pensioners in England and Wales will receive the winter fuel payment this year, following a government U-turn on eligibility.
* The payment will be made automatically to households with an annual income of £35,000 or less, with those earning more than this amount receiving it but having it clawed back through higher tax bills.
* The new rules mean that 75% of pensioners in England and Wales will receive the payment, up from just 13% under the previous system.
* The winter fuel payment is worth £200 for people aged 79 or younger, and £300 for those 80 or older.
* In Scotland, the government had already planned to introduce a new winter heating payment for all pensioners, but will now match the £35,000 income limit being introduced in England and Wales.
* The number of people eligible for Pension Credit has been increased, with an income threshold of £218.15 per week or less for single claimants, and £332.95 per week or less for joint claimants.
* Over 500,000 pensioners were previously missing out on Pension Credit due to lack of awareness about the benefit, and are now eligible to claim it if their income is below these thresholds.
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