Overview

• Eligible pensioners will receive £100–£300 based on age and circumstances, with most payments made automatically in November and December after letters in October and November.
• Pensioners with taxable income over £35,000 can opt out by September 15 or have any payment recovered by HMRC through PAYE in 2026/27 or via Self Assessment for 2025/26.
• Two groups must claim rather than wait for automatic payment: first‑time recipients and those who deferred their State Pension, with postal claims opening September 15, phone claims from October 13, and a final deadline of March 31, 2026.
• The Warm Home Discount expands to a £150 bill credit for about 6.1 million means‑tested households after removal of the high‑cost‑to‑heat test, with suppliers applying the credit between October and March.
• Charities and officials report scam texts urging people to 'apply now' for winter support, advising recipients not to share personal or banking details, and noting Scottish payments are largely automatic.