HMRC confirms pensioners don’t need to include 2025 payments on their 2024-25 tax return as it will be recovered in 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the vast majority of the 9 million pensioner households entitled to the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment should have pocketed their lump sum of £100, £200 or £300 by November or December.
HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) has issued fresh guidance for pensioners earning above the £35,000 threshold who’ve claimed either benefit, reports the Daily Record.
HMRC said: “Customers do not need to include their 2025 Winter Fuel Payment on their tax return for the 2024 to 2025 tax year as payments received in Autumn 2025 will be recovered in the 2025 to 2026 tax return, due by 31 January 2027.”
For those whose income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will claw back your Winter Fuel Payment or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment – either via Self Assessment or through adjustments to your PAYE code.
Uncertain whether you’ll need to repay before the January 31, 2027 deadline? There’s an online HMRC checking tool available on GOV.UK to help you work it out.
Payments continue to roll out, and any pensioners believing they’re owed money have until the end of March to lodge claims – contact the DWP for Winter Fuel Payments.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payments Pensioners across England and Wales are set to receive between £100 and £300 in Winter Fuel Payments, with the DWP expected to distribute these funds by the end of March. The amount each person receives hinges on their age, living situation, and whether they resided in the UK during the qualifying week, which spanned from 15th to 21st September 2025.
To be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment, Brits must have been born before 22nd September 1959 and earn an annual income of £35,000 or less. Residential care pensioners could pocket £101.70, while those aged between 66 and 79 might receive £203.40. Those aged 80 or above could be entitled to a substantial £305.10.
