In June the government announced a U turn on their decision around winter fuel payments.
The change in criteria will mean approximately nine million pensioners in the UK will receive the payment. You’ll get a payment for winter 2025 to 2026 if:
- you’ve reached State Pension age
- your income is up to £35,000 a year
If your income is over £35,000 a year, you’ll still get the Winter Fuel Payment – but the government will take back the money through your taxes.
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual one-off payment to help you pay for heating during the winter.
For winter 2025 to 2026, you’ll be eligible if you were born before 22nd September 1959. Your household will get either £200 or £300 – this depends on your age. The money will be paid automatically.
If you or your partner is under 80 years old, your household will get £200. If you or your partner is 80 or over, your household will get £300. Each household will only get one payment.
Right now, Citizens Advice don’t have much more information on how and when the payments will be distributed; they expect more information later on in the year.