DWP explains new rules for NI pensioners in line for Winter Fuel Payments
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said millions will get up to £300 to help cover the cost of heating bills during the colder months
Scores of pensioners in Northern Ireland could be in line for a cash windfall of up to £300 to help with their heating bills during the winter after the Government confirmed millions across the country will receive the benefit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said a few weeks ago that nine million individuals born on or before September 22, 1959, are set to receive between £100 and £300 in Winter Fuel Payments this year.
These payments will be automatically distributed to qualifying pensioners around November or December. In line with the DWP's updated strategy, the Scottish Government is also preparing to roll out payments ranging from £101.70 to £305.10 to its pensioners starting November.
Pensioners earning up to £35,000 will be eligible for this one-time payment, with options available to opt-out or reimburse the amount via PAYE or Self Assessment tax returns, reports the Daily Record.
Treasury Minister James Murray provided fresh insights into the repayment mechanism for Winter Fuel Payments last Thursday (July 17), following a query by independent MP John McDonnell regarding the recoupment process for higher-income recipients.
Responding in writing, Mr Murray stated: "The Government announced in June 2025 that the Winter Fuel Payment will be made universal in England and Wales from winter 2025. Subsequently, the Scottish Government and Northern Ireland Executive have confirmed that they will mirror the approach for England and Wales.
"Winter Fuel Payments of £200 will be made for a household with someone of State Pension age and £300 for a household with someone aged 80 or over. They will be paid automatically to anyone who has not opted out of getting a payment."
Delving into the specifics of the income cap, he said: "Individuals who are of State Pension age and have total income over £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered through the tax system. The amount recovered will be equal to the full value of the Winter Fuel Payment.
"If a pensioner's total income is above the income threshold, it will be automatically recovered through PAYE, or through their Self-Assessment return if they pay tax that way."
Mr Murray also mentioned that the Government is set to release more details on how these changes will affect HM Revenue & Customs operations in a Tax Information and Impact Note at this year's Budget, which will accompany the draft Finance Bill legislation concerning the tax recovery of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Who is eligible and who is not
People can get a Winter Fuel Payment if they were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. Click here for more information, on our sister title the Daily Record, on Pension Age Disability Payment. You will not be eligible if you:
- Live outside England and Wales
- Were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of September 15-21, 2025, and the year before that
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison for the whole of the week of September 15-21, 2025
- If you live in a care home
People can get Winter Fuel Payments if they live in a care home, but they will not be eligible if both of the following apply:
- If they get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- They lived in a care home for the whole time from June 23, 2025 or earlier
How and when you will be paid
According to the DWP, those eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment people will receive a letter in October or November telling them how much they will receive, and which bank account it will be paid into. This is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits.
It also urged people to check their eligibility if they did not receive a letter, adding: "If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre."
It's also worth noting that scammers may try and trick you into making a claim by text, prompting you to click on a link. This is not an official DWP message and should be deleted. Click here for official guidance from Gov.uk if you think you need to claim.
The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 15-21, 2025. This is called the "qualifying week". Any money you get will not affect your other benefit.
Lone pensioners
For those who live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, they will get either:
- £200 if they were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if they were born before September 22, 1945
Cohabiting pensioners
If you live with someone else who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
Non-benefit claimants
If you do not get any of the benefits, you will get a payment of:
- £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959 but the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945
- £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945 but the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £150 if you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945
Benefit claimants
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get a payment of either:
- £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945
- The money will be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.
If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim), you will get a payment of either:
- £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945
- If your income is more than £35,000
- HMRC will take back all of your Winter Fuel Payment through either PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return.
Care home residents
Eligible pensioners will get either:
- £100 if they were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £150 if they were born before September 22, 1945
Opting out of Winter Fuel Payment
You can choose to opt out of getting all future Winter Fuel Payments. To opt out, you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before September 15, 2025.