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3mo ago

DWP Begins Winter Fuel Payment Rollout With Letters Going Out and Payouts Due in November–December

Most pensioners will be paid automatically, with higher earners subject to HMRC recovery under the £35,000 income rule.

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The date your benefit is paid in October depends on which benefit you receive and the date you first received your benefit payment. Image: Unsplash
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Overview

  • Letters from 1 October confirm the Winter Fuel Payment amount and destination account, with most payments arriving automatically into the usual State Pension or benefit account in November or December.
  • Eligibility hinges on age and the qualifying week of 15–21 September 2025, with those born before 22 September 1959 receiving £100–£300 depending on age and household circumstances.
  • Manual claims are required for people who have never received the payment or who deferred their State Pension, with postal claims open from 15 September, phone claims from 13 October, and a final deadline of 31 March 2026.
  • An individual income threshold of £35,000 applies, and HMRC will recover payments from higher earners through PAYE tax‑code changes or Self Assessment.
  • Complementary support includes the expanded £150 Warm Home Discount for more benefit claimants from 1 October and £25 Cold Weather Payments triggered automatically for eligible households during freezing spells from 1 November to 31 March.