Research and analysis

Means testing Winter Fuel Payment at £35,000 taxable income per annum – impact on poverty levels

This ad hoc analysis estimates the impact of setting the means testing threshold for Winter Fuel Payment at £35,000 taxable income per annum on poverty levels.

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 9 June 2025

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Means testing Winter Fuel Payment at £35,000 taxable income per annum – impact on poverty levels

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In June 2025, the UK government announced that, from Winter 2025, the eligibility criteria for Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales will be expanded so that more pensioners are eligible for Winter Fuel Payment.

All pensioners will receive Winter Fuel Payment but those individuals with a taxable income of £35,000 or more per annum will have their Winter Fuel Payment amount claimed back via the tax system. There is an option to opt out of Winter Fuel Payment.

This publication provides estimates of the impact of the policy change on the numbers and proportions of individuals in poverty by age group in financial year ending (FYE) 2030.

Published 9 June 2025