Overview

• Eligibility and payment amounts are fixed by the qualifying week of 15 to 21 September 2025, with most people born before 22 September 1959 in scope.
• Awards range from £100 to £300 depending on age and household circumstances, with higher amounts for the oldest recipients and specific living arrangements.
• HMRC will reclaim the payment from those with yearly taxable income over £35,000 through tax code changes or Self Assessment, while others keep the full amount.
• Letters arriving in October or November will confirm how much will be paid and which bank account will receive it, typically the account used for State Pension or benefits.
• Those not paid automatically can claim by post from 15 September or by phone from 13 October, with a final deadline of 31 March 2026 and support via the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.