DWP Winter Fuel Payment Update – 2025/26 UK News Explained

 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of pensioners across the UK should already have received their Winter Fuel Payment for the 2025/26 winter season. Payments of £100, £200 or £300 were issued automatically in most cases during November and December, offering timely help as household energy costs rise during colder months.

Alongside confirmation of payment timings, there are important clarifications around repayment rules for higher‑income pensioners, ongoing claim deadlines, and how the system works differently in Scotland. Official guidance is available at
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

As one pensioner told reporters recently:

“You don’t always know what you’re entitled to anymore, so seeing that payment arrive was a relief.”

What is the Winter Fuel Payment and Who Qualifies in 2025/26?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax‑free annual payment intended to help people of State Pension age with winter heating costs. For the 2025/26 winter, eligibility depends primarily on date of birth and UK residency, rather than savings or benefit status at the point of payment.

To qualify, individuals needed to be born on or before 21 September 1959 and living in the UK during the qualifying week of 15–21 September 2025. Most people who met these conditions were paid automatically, without needing to submit a claim.

In Scotland, the equivalent support is delivered through the Social Security Scotland under the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment scheme.

Full Scottish guidance is published at:
https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment

A benefits adviser explained the difference simply:

“The name is different in Scotland, but the purpose is the same helping older people manage heating bills during winter.”

The “Storm Goretti” Factor (January 2026)

Between December 30, 2025, and January 9, 2026, Storm Goretti brought a sustained Arctic blast to the UK, with temperatures in the North and Midlands plunging to -12°C.

• The Double Trigger: Because the freeze lasted longer than 14 days in areas like Shap (Cumbria) and Morpeth (Northumberland), those postcodes triggered two separate payments.
• Check Your Reference: If you live in these regions, you should see two credits of £25 (Total £50) with the bank reference ‘DWP CWP’. If you only see one, you are likely owed a second payment.

The £17/Month Tax Deduction

For the first time, the Winter Fuel Payment is being recovered from high earners (income over £35,000). Many sites mention “recovery,” but here is the specific math for your 2026/27 tax year:

• The Adjustment: If you received a £200 payment this winter but earn over £35,000, HMRC will typically adjust your 2026/27 tax code.
• Monthly Cost: This results in a roughly £16.67 per month reduction in your take-home pension or pay starting in April 2026.
• The “Double Year” Warning: In 2027/28, this deduction could double to £33 per month as HMRC catches up with two years of payments simultaneously.

Have Most Pensioners Already Received Their Winter Fuel Payment?

Yes. According to reporting by the Daily Record, the DWP has confirmed that most of the nearly nine million eligible pensioner households received their Winter Fuel Payment during November or December.

You can read the original report here:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/money/new-winter-fuel-payment-update-36524078

In Scotland, Pension Age Winter Heating Payments also began landing in bank accounts from late November, with the majority issued before the new year.

If a payment or notification letter had not arrived by late January 2026, pensioners are advised to check eligibility and take action before the final deadline.

How Much Money Will Pensioners Receive This Winter?

The amount paid depends on age, household circumstances and, in Scotland, residency and benefit data shared with Social Security Scotland. The table below summarises the typical payment levels for winter 2025/26.

Region / Scheme	Typical amount	How it’s decided
England & Wales – Winter Fuel Payment	£200 or £300	Based on age and household makeup
Scotland – Pension Age Winter Heating Payment	£101.70 to £305.10	Based on age and living circumstances

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Official Scottish payment breakdowns are published at:
https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment

One pensioner aged over 80 said, “It doesn’t cover everything, but it certainly helps keep the heating on without worry.”

Why This Matters for Cold Weather Payments (2026 Update)?

While the Winter Fuel Payment is a fixed annual sum, the Cold Weather Payment is a separate £25 boost triggered by specific local freezing spells.

Following the arrival of Storm Goretti (December 30 – January 9), the DWP activated triggers for 802 postcodes. For many, this has resulted in the largest single-season payout in years.

Key Stats from the 2026 Freeze:

• Rostherne (Cheshire): This station alone triggered payments for 241,000 households across East Cheshire and Greater Manchester.
• Morpeth (Northumberland): Triggered payments for 136,000 households, covering Newcastle, Gateshead, and Sunderland.
• Double Payments (£50): If your are°a (like Shap in Cumbria or Keswick) stayed below 0 °C for 14 consecutive days during the storm, you will automatically receive £50 instead of £25.

Note: These payments are usually marked as ‘DWP CWP’ on your bank statement. If you live in a triggered area and haven’t seen this by January 23, 2026, you should check your eligibility.

What Happens if Your Income is Over £35,000?

This is one of the most significant parts of the DWP winter fuel payment update. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that pensioners with an annual income above £35,000 may need to repay the Winter Fuel Payment or the Scottish equivalent.

Importantly, repayment does not happen immediately. Even if the payment was received in autumn 2025, it does not need to be declared on the 2024/25 tax return. Instead, HMRC will recover the amount through the 2025/26 tax year, which is settled by 31 January 2027.

Recovery usually happens either through:

• An adjustment to a PAYE tax code, or
• The Self Assessment process, where applicable

Independent tax guidance explaining this process can be found at
https://www.taxadvisermagazine.com/article/202526-winter-fuel-payments-and-pension-age-winter-heating-payments-ps35000-income-limit

An HMRC spokesperson summed it up by saying:

“People still receive the payment automatically – repayment is handled later through the tax system where required.”

Can Pensioners Still Claim if They Think They Were Missed?

Yes. Payments are still being processed, and anyone who believes they are eligible but has not received a payment can still act.

The final deadline to make a claim is 31 March 2026. Pensioners in England and Wales should contact the DWP Winter Fuel Payment Centre, while those in Scotland should contact Social Security Scotland.

Claim guidance is available at:
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim

Does Living in Scotland, England, or Wales Change Anything?

Yes, slightly. While the purpose of the support is the same across the UK, administration and payment names differ.

England and Wales use the Winter Fuel Payment, managed by the DWP. Scotland operates the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment through Social Security Scotland, using data supplied by the DWP.

Eligibility rules remain broadly similar, but Scottish residents should always check the devolved guidance at
https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment

When Are Payments Made and What Should Pensioners Expect Next?

Most eligible pensioners have already been paid. Confirmation letters were sent ahead of payments, explaining how much would be paid and when. For those who qualify automatically in future years, payments will continue to be made during late autumn or early winter.

Anyone unsure about their situation should check official guidance at:
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

As one charity put it:

“If you’re eligible, you shouldn’t ignore a missing payment – checking early avoids unnecessary stress.”

Summary: What This Dwp Winter Fuel Payment Update Means?

The DWP winter fuel payment update for 2025/26 confirms that the system has returned to wider coverage, with most pensioners receiving automatic support this winter. While higher‑income households may need to repay the money later through taxes, the payment still arrives when heating costs are at their highest.

For pensioners across England, Wales, and Scotland, understanding eligibility rules, payment amounts, and repayment timelines is now more important than ever, particularly as energy costs remain a concern.

Frequently asked questions

Will I Still Be Paid Automatically Next Winter?

Most eligible pensioners will continue to receive payments automatically, provided their circumstances do not change.

Do I Need to Contact Hmrc if My Income is Over £35,000?

Not immediately. HMRC will handle any repayment through tax coding or Self Assessment later.

What if I Live in a Care Home?

Some care home residents receive a lower rate, depending on benefit status and length of stay.

Is the Payment Classed as Taxable Income?

The payment itself is tax‑free, but may be recovered later if income thresholds are exceeded.

What if I Moved House During the Qualifying Week?

Residency during the qualifying week can affect eligibility, so official guidance should be checked.

Can Couples Receive Two Payments?

Usually, one payment is made per household, depending on ages and circumstances.

Where Can I Check Official Updates?

Use https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment for England and Wales, and https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment for Scotland.

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