The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed details for the Winter Fuel Payment 2025/26, a vital lifeline for millions of older people across England and Wales.
While many pensioners will receive £200 or £300, some will only be eligible for £100 under new rules. This change has caused confusion, especially for couples not claiming benefits.
Here’s a full breakdown of the new payment structure, eligibility, and why some households will see reduced amounts this year.
Who Is Eligible for Winter Fuel Payment 2025/26
- You must have been born on or before 22 September 1959.
- You must have lived in England or Wales during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025).
- Most people receiving the State Pension or certain benefits will get the payment automatically.
- If you have never received it before or deferred your pension, you may need to claim separately.
Why Some Pensioners Only Get £100
The reduction to £100 mainly applies to couples where both are under 80 and not claiming means-tested benefits.
Instead of a single higher payment, the amount is split equally, leaving each person with £100.
Another scenario is where one partner earns above the £35,000 income threshold. In such cases, part of the payment is recovered by HMRC, reducing the household’s entitlement.
This is part of the government’s adjustment to ensure those with higher incomes do not receive the full benefit.
Payment Amounts in Detail
| Household Situation | Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Living alone, under 80 | £200 |
| Living alone, 80 or over | £300 |
| Couple, both under 80 | £100 each |
| Couple, one over 80 | £200 (older partner) + £100 (younger partner) |
| Couple, both over 80 | £150 each |
| On income-related benefits | Higher individual payments depending on circumstances |
The £35,000 Income Threshold
A new rule sets the income threshold at £35,000. Pensioners above this limit will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but the money will be clawed back through the tax system via PAYE or Self Assessment.
This means pensioners on higher incomes cannot keep the full benefit.
Impact of Age on Payment Levels
- Pensioners under 80: Typically receive £200 when living alone, or £100 each when living with a partner.
- Pensioners 80 or over: Receive enhanced payments — £300 if living alone, or £150 each if living with another over-80.
- Mixed-age couples: The older partner may receive the higher amount (£200) while the younger gets £100.
Benefit Claimants vs Non-Claimants
- Those receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related ESA/JSA receive higher individual payments, as the payment is not split in the same way.
- For non-claimants, the split payment method means many couples will only see £100 each, even though they would have received higher amounts in previous years.
Key Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Qualifying week | 15–21 September 2025 |
| Letters confirming amounts | October–November 2025 |
| Payments issued | November–December 2025 |
| Deadline to claim | 31 March 2026 |
Why These Changes Matter
The government’s decision to link entitlement more closely to income and age has reshaped how households receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
While the goal is to focus support on those most in need, many pensioners in middle-income households will feel the impact of reduced or reclaimed payments.
For pensioners relying on this money to cover rising energy bills, the difference between £300 and £100 could be significant.
Couples not receiving benefits will be most affected, especially if both are below 80.
The Winter Fuel Payment 2025/26 provides essential support for millions of pensioners, but new rules mean not everyone will receive the same amount.
Couples where both are under 80, or where one partner earns above the £35,000 threshold, may find themselves only entitled to £100 each.
Meanwhile, those over 80 or on benefits will still access higher payments.
Pensioners should carefully check their eligibility, watch for official letters in October and November, and ensure any claims are submitted before the 31 March 2026 deadline.
FAQs
Why am I only getting £100 when I used to get more?
If you live with another pensioner and neither of you is over 80 or on qualifying benefits, the payment is split, leaving you with £100 each.
Do I need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment?
Most pensioners receive it automatically. You only need to apply if you have never received it before or deferred your State Pension.
What happens if my income is above £35,000?
You will still receive the payment, but HMRC will recover it through the tax system so you cannot keep the full amount.