Winter Fuel Payment exact amount as some pensioners only eligible for £100 from DWP

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the exact amount of Winter Fuel Payment that eligible pensioners will receive this winter – and some will only get a fraction of the usual amount

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has outlined the precise amount of Winter Fuel Payment that eligible pensioners will receive in the coming months, with some only qualifying for a £100 payment.

Approximately three-quarters of all state pensioners are entitled to the payment, designed to assist pensioners in keeping their homes warm during the chillier months. This follows the Government’s reversal on the payments in June, ensuring nine million pensioners in England and Wales will receive the Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP this winter.

Last year saw a reduction in payments as they became means-tested for the first time, with only those on certain benefits receiving the payment. This effectively lowered the income threshold to just £11,600, according to MoneySavingExpert.

Under the revised rules, pensioners earning less than £35,000 a year are eligible for a payment of either £200 or £300. However, pensioners who are part of a couple may only receive £100 due to the new income threshold, reports the Manchester Evening News.

How much will pensioners receive?

This year, Winter Fuel Payments will be made to everyone in England and Wales born before 22 September 1959.

However, anyone exceeding the income threshold of £35,000 will have their payment reclaimed by HMRC through the tax system.

The amount you receive is determined by your age and the number of people in your household. For instance, a household qualifies for the higher sum of £300 if it includes someone aged 80 or over.

Households with individuals who are above State Pension age but under 80 will qualify for the lower sum of £200.

Each household will receive one payment, unless they are receiving an income-related benefit such as Pension Credit. The DWP has confirmed that pensioners claiming Pension Credit are entitled to an individual payment.

In situations where one member of a household exceeds the income threshold and the other does not, the household will only receive part of the payment.

For example, a couple both under 80 and below the income threshold, with neither receiving Pension Credit, will receive a payment of £200.

However, if one person’s income surpasses the £35,000 threshold, their half of the payment will be reclaimed through the tax system. As a result, the eligible individual will receive just £100.

Payments are divided among couples based on age. Therefore, if both individuals are over 80, they will each receive £150.

As per the gov.uk website, you can receive Winter Fuel Payment if you reside in a care home. You will not be eligible if both of the following conditions apply:

• you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• you lived in a care home for the whole time from June 23, 2025 or earlier

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