Exact date millions are expected to get Winter Fuel Payment

The week in which Winter Fuel Payments will be made this year has been confirmed after a dramatic U-turn by the Government

The precise date when millions of pensioners will become eligible for Winter Fuel Payments later this year has been disclosed. This follows a significant alteration to the eligibility criteria announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week.

Last year changes meant Winter Fuel Payments were only made to those receiving means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Previously, these payments were universally available to everyone over state pension age, irrespective of their income or benefit entitlement.

The decision to limit the scope of Winter Fuel Payments was met with strong opposition from MPs and charities, that cautioned that the decision would leave many elderly people impoverished. However, in a significant reversal yesterday, it was confirmed that pensioners earning below £35,000 a year will now receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.

Labour estimates that approximately nine million pensioners in England and Wales will receive Winter Fuel Payments this year due to these changes. Different systems are in place in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Winter Fuel Payments are valued at £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80. Your eligibility will be determined by your age at the end of the qualifying week, reports the Mirror.

The qualifying week varies each year, but for winter 2025/26, the Government has confirmed it will be from 15 September to 21 September 2025. Rachel Reeves stated: "Targeting Winter Fuel Payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government.

"It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest. But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the Winter Fuel Payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out. This will mean over three quarters of pensioners receiving the payment in England and Wales later this winter."

Those earning above £35,000 per annum will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but they will then be required to repay it. HMRC will reclaim the payment through PAYE or via a self-assessment tax return.

Those whose earnings exceed £35,000 can elect not to receive the payment, with further details to be confirmed. The threshold for income eligibility applies to each person individually, although the Winter Fuel Payment itself is issued per household.

For instance, in a household where one person has an annual income of £30,000 and another of £40,000, one individual would retain their portion of the Winter Fuel Payment while the other would reimburse it. Winter Fuel Payments are typically paid automatically into bank accounts starting from November and are a tax-free benefit, which means they don't impact any other benefits you may be entitled to.