Overview
- Payments were largely issued in November and December, and pensioners who have not been paid are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre after January 28.
- The allowance is now income‑tested, and households with total income above £35,000 must repay what they received.
- HMRC says the 2025 Winter Fuel Payment should not be included on 2024/25 Self Assessment returns, with recovery handled in the 2025–26 filing cycle due by January 31, 2027.
- For most people, HMRC will reclaim the money by changing tax codes from 2026–27, typically deducting about £17 a month for a £200 payment and around £33 a month in 2027–28 before returning to lower deductions.
- Typical amounts are £200 for those under 80 and up to £300 for those aged 80 or over, and Scotland’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment follows the same reporting and recovery timetable.