Overview

• Eligibility now covers anyone born on or before 22 September 1959, with most recipients paid automatically and awards ranging from £100 to £300 depending on age and circumstances.
• Letters setting out individual amounts will arrive in October or November, the qualifying week is 15–21 September 2025, and most payments are scheduled for November and December.
• Those with taxable incomes over £35,000 will still receive the payment but will have it reclaimed via PAYE or Self Assessment on a per‑person basis, and they can choose to opt out.
• Postal claims open on 15 September and phone claims begin in mid‑October, with a final claim deadline of 31 March 2026 for those who need to apply.
• Officials highlight exclusions such as living outside England and Wales, being in hospital or prison for the full qualifying week, or immigration restrictions, and they warn of rising scams, urging checks only on the official GOV.UK site.