The Winter Fuel Allowance, officially known as the Winter Fuel Payment, is a government-provided benefit aimed at helping older people in the UK cover their heating costs during the colder months.
For married couples, this payment is issued per household, not per individual, and is split between both partners.
In the 2025/26 tax year, the total payment varies based on the age of the oldest person in the household, and can be affected by income levels if either partner is a high earner.
How Does the Winter Fuel Allowance Work for Married Couples in the UK?
The Winter Fuel Payment is not issued to individuals separately within a household. For married couples or those living together as partners, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) considers them a single unit.
The total payment is determined by the age of the older partner and is then divided equally between them.
This system ensures fairness and reduces duplication of payments, particularly where both individuals qualify under the same criteria.
For instance, a couple aged 70 and 75 would receive the lower household rate, while a couple aged 82 and 77 would qualify for the higher rate.
In practice, the payment is typically transferred into the bank account used for State Pension or qualifying benefits, and a notification letter is sent out in October or November confirming eligibility and payment amount.
What Are the Winter Fuel Payment Rates for 2025/26?
For the winter of 2025/26, the rates remain in line with past years, but the amount depends on both the birthdate and household living situation.
Below is a clear breakdown of what couples can expect to receive.
Winter Fuel Payment Amounts for Couples Based on Age
| Age of Partners | Total Household Payment | Individual Share |
| Both born between 22 Sep 1945 – 21 Sep 1959 | £200 | £100 each |
| One or both born before 22 Sep 1945 | £300 | £150 each |
Payments are made automatically if both partners meet the eligibility criteria and are receiving State Pension or qualifying benefits.
In cases where one person receives certain means-tested benefits on behalf of both, only one payment is issued to the main claimant.
Who Qualifies for the Winter Fuel Allowance as a Couple?
Eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment is based on the ‘qualifying week’, which for 2025/26 is between 15 and 21 September 2025. To qualify as a couple:
- Both partners must live together as spouses or partners
- At least one partner must have been born on or before 21 September 1959
- They must be ordinarily resident in the UK during the qualifying week
Additional eligibility checks are based on the type of benefits either partner is receiving and their residential situation, such as whether they live in a care home.
How Is the Payment Split Between Partners?
The total amount issued to a married couple is split equally unless one of the partners receives a benefit such as Pension Credit or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance. In such situations, the full amount is typically paid to the benefit recipient.
For example:
- If both partners are under 80 and qualify, they each receive £100
- If one or both are over 80, they each receive £150
If the couple jointly claim Pension Credit, the full household payment may go to one partner, depending on who the primary claimant is.
What If One Partner Is Over 80 and the Other Is Not?
The deciding factor for payment is the age of the oldest person in the household. Therefore, if only one partner is aged 80 or over, the higher rate applies.
This means a couple with one partner aged 79 and the other 80 will receive the £300 household total, not the lower £200 amount.
Here’s a comparison of scenarios:
Mixed Age Scenarios for Couples
| Partner A Age | Partner B Age | Total Payment | Explanation |
| 78 | 79 | £200 | Both under 80 |
| 80 | 78 | £300 | One over 80 |
| 81 | 82 | £300 | Both over 80 |
This setup ensures that older individuals receive additional help with heating costs, reflecting the increased vulnerability to cold temperatures.
Is the Winter Fuel Allowance Affected by Income?
The Winter Fuel Payment is tax-free, but it is subject to recovery for high-income individuals. If one partner earns over £35,000, the DWP may notify HMRC, who will claw back the relevant portion.
The recovery is handled in one of two ways:
- By adjusting the individual’s tax code for the 2026 to 2027 tax year
- By adding the payment amount to the 2025 to 2026 Self Assessment tax return
If only one person in the couple exceeds the income threshold, the higher earner’s share is subject to clawback, while the lower-earning partner still retains their portion of the allowance.
This means couples with unequal incomes might find only one partner’s payment reduced, depending on individual tax situations.
When Will Couples Receive Their Winter Fuel Payments?
Payments for eligible couples will typically be made between early November and the end of December 2025. The exact date depends on:
- The type of benefit(s) received
- Whether the couple is already registered for the Winter Fuel Payment
- The individual bank processing times
A letter will be sent out during October or early November confirming:
- The amount due
- The payment window
- Any clawback details if applicable
Most people do not need to take any action to receive their payment. However, couples who believe they are eligible but do not receive the letter should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre or check if they need to make a claim.
How Do You Claim the Winter Fuel Payment as a Couple?
For the majority of couples, no claim is needed. If they received a payment last year or currently receive the State Pension or other qualifying benefits, the process is automatic.
You may need to make a claim if:
- This is your first year of eligibility
- You do not receive a qualifying benefit
- You have moved to the UK or returned from abroad
- You previously opted out or were not included
Claims can be submitted by phone or post, and relevant details such as National Insurance number, bank account, and benefit status must be provided.
What Other Winter Energy Support Is Available for UK Couples?
While the Winter Fuel Payment is a significant support measure, it is not the only financial assistance available to help UK couples manage the rising cost of energy during the colder months.
The UK government, along with energy providers, offers a range of additional schemes and discounts targeted specifically at households on low incomes, pensioners, and those receiving certain benefits.
These schemes are designed to complement the Winter Fuel Payment, ensuring vulnerable couples have multiple layers of support to stay warm and financially secure through winter.
Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment is a government scheme that provides £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.
Eligibility for this payment is benefit-based, not age-based. Couples may qualify if they receive:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit (under certain conditions)
To receive a Cold Weather Payment:
- The average temperature in the couple’s area must be recorded or forecasted as zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
- Payments are made automatically, with no need to apply.
This is particularly helpful for couples who live in colder regions of the UK, as multiple payments can be issued in one winter season if weather conditions remain severe.
Warm Home Discount Scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers a £150 one-off rebate on electricity bills for eligible households. The scheme is open from October to March and applies to couples who either:
- Receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, or
- Are on a low income and meet their energy supplier’s criteria
The discount is automatically applied for most pension-age customers receiving the Guarantee Credit. For others, it may require a claim through the energy supplier, and eligibility criteria can vary.
Energy suppliers have different rules under the scheme’s “broader group”, so couples should check with their provider to see if they qualify and whether they need to register.
Energy Company Support Funds and Grants
Several energy suppliers operate trust funds or hardship grants for customers who are struggling to pay their bills. These funds are not limited to benefit claimants and can often help couples with:
- Clearing energy debt
- Covering upcoming winter bills
- Repairing or replacing inefficient boilers or heating systems
Some well-known schemes include:
- British Gas Energy Trust
- EDF Energy Customer Support Fund
- ON Next Energy Fund
- Scottish Power Hardship Fund
- Octopus Energy’s Assist Fund
Eligibility criteria vary by supplier, but many offer tailored help for couples, particularly if one or both partners are over retirement age or have long-term health conditions.
FAQs About Winter Fuel Payment for Married Couples
Can both partners receive separate Winter Fuel Payments?
No, the payment is issued per household. The total amount is split between the couple based on eligibility.
Do couples need to apply every year?
Most do not need to reapply. If you’ve received it in the past or are on a qualifying benefit, it’s automatic.
What happens if only one partner qualifies?
Only the eligible person receives payment, and the total may be lower. Joint claims help ensure both partners are considered.
Is the payment affected if we live abroad?
It can be. You must have a sufficient link to the UK and live in a country with cold winters. A claim may be required.
Can unmarried partners receive the same payment?
Yes, if they live together as a couple, the rules are the same. Payments are still split between eligible individuals.
What should we do if we didn’t receive our payment?
Check your eligibility and contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. You may need to make a claim or update your details.
Is the winter fuel allowance included in Universal Credit?
No, it is a separate benefit and is not included in Universal Credit calculations. It does not affect your entitlement.
