Not sure if this is too political, so please delete if not allowed. I read on FB that the payment is to be given to everyone, but then taken away if you don't qualify for it. Really?
Correct Mrs B. We've both had the letter from DWP and we'll get the £100 each. However, for pensioners whose earnings are over £35000 HMRC will take the payment back.
Don't get anywhere near that, so we both get to keep our £100!!
We didn't last year, but it was reinstated for this year for those pensioners whose earnings are below £35000. Not sure if the amount is the same for everyone as I believe it's age dependent. You should still receive it, even if it's then clawed back by HMRC if your earnings are above that magic figure.
Up here it’s linked to people getting other benefits, so we will not get it:
This from our official website—
“Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment of either £200 or £300. It helps people of pension age who receive certain qualifying benefits pay their heating bills…
“A new benefit is due to replace Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland. This new benefit will be called Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.”
I've had a letter saying I'm going to receive the £100 winter fuel payment, but it didn't mention anything about it being taken back.
Over a week later and OH has still not received his letter.
Am I to assume that it is given and ihen clawed back in tax? Why not just give it to those who are entitled and not to those who don't? Which is the point I was trying to make.
They take it back when they assess your tax. It's an easy way of doing it. To not pay it to you would require an assessment of your income and then another assessment for your tax.
Quote: Originally posted by bofs on 30/10/2025
I've had a letter saying I'm going to receive the £100 winter fuel payment, but it didn't mention anything about it being taken back.
Over a week later and OH has still not received his letter.
We both got our letters yesterday and that letter also had information about it being taken back if not eligible for it.
Me too. They take £100 off your tax free allowance in addition to your state pension,which also comes off. Then adjust your tax code.
If you have occupational pensions they will be taxed .
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
In the past it was a universal benefit which meant regardles of whether you qualified for Pension Credit or were a millionaire you got the winterfuel payment. Since it has been reinstated they have applied an upper limit, after which the payment is recovered via the tax system. It is not completely unreasonable to do that and the upside is that millions more pensioners will this winter get some help with their heating bill.
We were getting winter fuel payments when we were working! We didn't need it so it went to charity. We sponsor a guide dog each year so use the money for that. It will continue.
If we had elderly relatives in need, it would have gone to them but we don’t.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.