The DWP has issued a warning about potential scams related to the Winter Fuel Payment, urging the public to remain vigilant. Winter Fuel Payments, which can amount to £200 or £300 for eligible households with individuals over 80, are typically disbursed in November and December to pensioners born before September 22, 1959.
Individuals earning over £35,000 will still receive the payment but must reimburse it through the tax system. Opting out of the payment is possible through the official GOV.UK website or by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre via mail or phone. The deadline for opting out is September 15, 2025.
The income eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment is assessed per person, meaning that if one partner earns £30,000 and the other £40,000, one person will keep their share while the other must repay it. Automatic receipt of the payment is granted to those claiming specific benefits during the qualifying week, scheduled for September 15-21, 2025.
For those not receiving automatic benefits, a claim must be submitted if they have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before or have deferred their state pension since the last payment. Applications can be made by post starting September 15 or by phone from October 15, with eligibility based on age by the end of the qualifying week.
Certain circumstances, such as being hospitalized for the entire qualifying week, receiving free treatment, or being in prison during that time, may render individuals ineligible. Similarly, residing in a care home from June 23, 2025, onwards and claiming specific benefits like Universal Credit and Pension Credit can affect eligibility.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
