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Winter Fuel Allowance

I'm confused. Can anyone please enlighten me?

DWP have informed both my wife and myself that the 2025 Winter Fuel Payment for each of us will be £100 (GOV.UK: £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959).  Although I am eligible for the payment, I understand HMRC will claw back my payment through my tax code in the next tax year because of my income.

However, if I had been under State Pension Age I would not be eligible for the payment and my wife would be receiving £200 (GOV.UK: If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment ......... £200 if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959), no matter what my income.

Can that be right? 

Comments

  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 35,140 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    A few threads on this and it is a complete mess.  If you had declined the payment your wife would have received the £200 on the basis she was the only eligible person. 
  • unforeseen
    unforeseen Posts: 7,414 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 6 November at 12:39PM
    molerat said:
    A few threads on this and it is a complete mess.  If you had declined the payment your wife would have received the £200 on the basis she was the only eligible person. 
    Not guaranteed. I had opted out and my wife only got £100. Opting out doesn't change eligibility 
  • Dazed_and_C0nfused
    Dazed_and_C0nfused Posts: 18,236 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    molerat said:
    A few threads on this and it is a complete mess.  If you had declined the payment your wife would have received the £200 on the basis she was the only eligible person. 
    Not guaranteed. I had opted out and my wife only got £100. Opting out doesn't change eligibility 
    Not everyone seems to agree.

    https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/effect_of_opting_out_of_a_winter#incoming-3193961
  • molerat
    molerat Posts: 35,140 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    molerat said:
    A few threads on this and it is a complete mess.  If you had declined the payment your wife would have received the £200 on the basis she was the only eligible person. 
    Not guaranteed. I had opted out and my wife only got £100. Opting out doesn't change eligibility 
    So a complete mess then !

  • ReidC49
    ReidC49 Posts: 3 Newbie
    Fourth Anniversary First Post
    Thanks for your input. We'll see what DWP's reply is to the FOI request.
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