Overview
- Payments of £100 to £300 are being issued in November and December to people born before 22 September 1959, with letters confirming amounts sent by November.
- Anyone with taxable income over £35,000 who did not opt out by 15 September will still receive the money now, then have it reclaimed via PAYE from April 2026 or on their 2025/26 Self Assessment return.
- Officials say immediate voluntary repayment is not available, and despite some reports of direct bank withdrawals, the stated recovery routes are tax code adjustments or Self Assessment.
- Household rules can produce different outcomes, including two eligible non‑couple residents each receiving payments that could total £600, while joint Pension Credit claims receive one household payment.
- The DWP’s separate Cold Weather Payment scheme is now live from 1 November to 31 March in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, paying £25 per seven‑day freeze by postcode, with Scotland operating a £59.75 Winter Heating Payment.