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DWP Confirms £300 Winter Fuel Payment Rules for Pensioners Who Are Couples – Check New Updates

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

Payment Amount Based on Age

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:

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:

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:

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

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.

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