Sunita Somvanshi
The government’s about-turn on Winter Fuel Payments means millions of pensioners will once again receive help with heating costs this winter. After last year’s controversial means-testing left many elderly people worried about their bills, officials have now restored payments to all state pensioners earning up to £35,000.
Having reported on welfare changes since the payment’s introduction in 1997, one can’t help but notice how the pendulum swings back and forth on pensioner support. The cash—£200 for younger pensioners and £300 for those over 80—will start landing in bank accounts from November.
The qualifying week runs 15–21 September 2025. Anyone born on or before 21 September 1945 receives £300; those of state pension age but born after that date receive £200.
Payment happens automatically for most people. Those few who need to make claims can do so by post starting 15 September or by telephone from 13 October. The money normally arrives by Christmas.
The tax situation requires attention. For the first time, HMRC plans to recover payments through tax codes in 2026/27 or via Self Assessment for the 2025/26 tax year. The government has created an online calculator to help people understand whether they’ll need to give some back.
Pensioners wishing to avoid this process altogether can opt out by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 15 September 2025.
GOV.UK confirms letters will arrive in October and November telling people exactly what they’ll receive. Questions about missing payments can be raised until 28 January 2026.
Fraudsters have spotted an opportunity in the confusion. Fake texts asking people to “apply for Winter Heating Allowance” via suspicious links have been reported. The DWP never requests bank details through text or email. Report suspicious messages to 7726.
Caroline Abrahams from Age UK says: “Around 2.5 million poorer pensioners lost payments last year and will now have them restored.”
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Not everyone applauds the mechanics of the change. Jill Rutter at the Institute for Government believes the “convoluted clawback approach lacks transparent rationale” and might damage public trust.
The Resolution Foundation suggests going further by extending support to 1.3 million additional pensioners on housing or disability benefits, at a cost of roughly £300 million.
Other help exists alongside this payment. The Cold Weather Payment gives £25 when temperatures stay at freezing for a week. The Warm Home Discount cuts £150 from energy bills for those on low incomes or Pension Credit. Local councils offer Household Support Fund grants.
This help comes as Ofgem’s July 2025 figures project typical dual-fuel energy bills to be approximately 7% lower year-on-year, averaging £1,720 annually.
Public Health England data shows cold homes contribute to around 25,000 excess winter deaths annually. Proper heating reduces hospital admissions among the elderly.
Scotland and Northern Ireland operate their own schemes—the Pension Age Heating Payment and an NI Executive program respectively.
For pensioners wondering what happens next, it’s simple: most need do nothing. Payments arrive automatically for those eligible. Anyone concerned about scams should remember the DWP never asks for bank details by text or email.
The Winter Fuel Payment began as universal support in 1997, became means-tested last year, and now returns to near-universal status for the 2025/26 winter. Whether this pattern continues depends on future budget pressures and policy priorities.
