The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the rules for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners in couples, introducing key updates for 2025. Here’s a breakdown of the new eligibility criteria and how it will affect couples.
Winter Fuel Payment: Key Rules for Pensioner Couples in 2025
For pensioners who are couples, the eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment will be based on the combined taxable income of both individuals. This means that if either person in the couple exceeds the income threshold, they may not be eligible for the full payment.
Here’s what you need to know:
New Rules for Pensioner Couples
- Eligibility for Couples: If the combined taxable income of both partners is below £35,000, the couple will be eligible for the full Winter Fuel Payment, which is either £200 or £300 depending on age.
- Income Limit: If either partner in the couple has taxable income above £35,000, they will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. However, if the income is just above the threshold, the payment will be made initially and later reclaimed via the tax system (through PAYE or self-assessment).
Payment Amount Based on Age
- For couples where both partners are aged 65 to 79, they will receive £200.
- For couples where at least one partner is aged 80 or over, they will receive £300.
Note: The Winter Fuel Payment will still be issued automatically to eligible couples, and there’s no need to apply. However, if you do not wish to receive the payment, you will be able to opt out (details will be provided on how to do so in the future).
What Counts as Taxable Income for Couples?
For couples, the £35,000 income threshold refers to combined taxable income, which includes:
- Earnings from work
- Retirement pensions
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Occupational pensions
- Personal pensions or annuity pensions
- Rental income
- Taxable interest from savings
- Carer’s Allowance
- Statutory sick pay
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
Important: The threshold is based on individual taxable income, not household income. This means that even if one partner exceeds the £35,000 threshold, the couple will not be eligible for the payment. However, if only one partner exceeds the threshold and the other is under, the couple may still receive the Winter Fuel Payment if their combined income remains below the £35,000 limit.
What Happens if We Exceed the £35,000 Threshold?
If a couple’s combined taxable income exceeds £35,000, they will initially receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but the government will automatically reclaim the payment via the tax system. HMRC will collect the overpaid amount through PAYE (for those who are employed) or through the self-assessment tax return process.
Key Details:
- Reclaimed via Tax: If you receive the payment but your income exceeds the £35,000 threshold, it will be reclaimed.
- No Registration Required: You do not need to register with HMRC to have the amount reclaimed. HMRC will automatically deduct the overpaid sum from your earnings or tax return later in the year.
How Will Pensioner Couples Know If They’re Eligible?
If you and your partner meet the income criteria (combined taxable income of £35,000 or less), you will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment. The payment will be sent out by the DWP, and no action is needed from you.
How Much Will We Receive?
The Winter Fuel Payment amount for couples depends on their age:
- £200 for couples where both are aged 65 to 79.
- £300 for couples where at least one partner is aged 80 or over.
The payments will be made automatically if you meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Opt Out of the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you are a pensioner couple and you do not wish to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you will be able to opt out. More details on how to do this will be provided by the government in due course.
Key Takeaways
- Couples with a combined income under £35,000 will be eligible for the full Winter Fuel Payment (£200 or £300 depending on age).
- Couples with a combined income above £35,000 will receive the payment initially, but it will be reclaimed through the tax system.
- The payment amount varies: £200 for those aged 65-79, and £300 for those aged 80+.
- No application required for eligible couples, the payment will be sent out automatically.
- Couples who do not want the payment can opt out when more information becomes available.
FAQs for Couples
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025 for couples?
Couples with a combined taxable income of £35,000 or less are eligible for the full payment. Couples with a combined income above £35,000 will receive the payment, but it will be reclaimed via taxes.
How much will the Winter Fuel Payment be for couples?
Couples aged 65-79 will receive £200, and couples with at least one person aged 80 or over will receive £300.
Do we need to do anything to receive the payment?
No, the payment will be sent out automatically if you are eligible. However, if your combined income exceeds £35,000, the amount will be reclaimed via PAYE or self-assessment.
What counts as taxable income for couples?
Taxable income includes earnings, pensions, rental income, and various other types of income. The combined income of both partners will be considered to determine eligibility.
Can we opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment?
Yes, couples who do not wish to receive the payment can opt out. More details on how to do so will be available soon.