Overview

• Nine million state pensioners in England and Wales who were of State Pension age during 15–21 September will receive automatic payments of £200 or £300 based on their age.
• Individuals not automatically enrolled can submit postal claims from September 15 or phone claims from mid-October until the March 31, 2026 deadline.
• Pensioners with taxable income over £35,000 must opt out by mid-September to avoid HMRC recovering the payment through PAYE adjustments or Self Assessment.
• Winter Fuel Payments are due to arrive in bank accounts in November and December, with HMRC processing any necessary deductions.
• The DWP is cautioning pensioners about scam messages and advising them to verify any requests on the official GOV.UK site.