As winter deepens across the UK and energy prices remain a concern, many older households are depending on government support to manage their heating bills. One of the most common forms of help is the Winter Fuel Payment, a scheme that has supported pensioners for decades. But for couples, especially those planning their winter finances carefully, there’s a common question: Do husband and wife both get the Winter Fuel Allowance, or is it only one payment per couple?
It’s a fair question—and not one with a simple yes or no answer. With rule changes introduced from 2024 onwards, particularly involving income thresholds and benefit status, it’s important for couples to understand exactly how the payment works in 2025/26.
This guide will walk you through what the Winter Fuel Payment is, how it applies to couples, what has changed, and how to make sure you’re getting what you’re entitled to this winter.
What Is the Winter Fuel Payment and Who Qualifies in 2025/26?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It’s intended to help older people cover heating costs during the coldest months of the year.
In 2025/26, the payment remains available to people who meet the following criteria:
- They were born on or before 22 September 1959
- They were living in the UK during the qualifying week, which for this winter is 15 to 21 September 2025
Most individuals who already receive the State Pension or other eligible benefits will receive the payment automatically. However, those who are newly eligible or living abroad may need to submit a claim manually, with a deadline set for 31 March 2026.
The DWP generally sends out the payment between mid-November and the end of December, with the reference “DWP WFP” appearing in recipients’ bank statements.
Do Married Couples Both Get the Winter Fuel Allowance Separately?
The answer, in most cases, is no, a husband and wife do not each receive a full, separate Winter Fuel Payment if they live together. The DWP views married couples, civil partners, and cohabiting partners as a single household, and therefore, only one payment is made per household.
This payment is intended to cover the heating needs of that household, regardless of the number of eligible adults living in it. The system assumes shared heating usage and shared living costs, and the payment reflects that.
However, there are exceptions. Changes implemented in 2024 and expanded in 2025 have introduced income-based criteria and altered how couples may qualify. As a result, under specific conditions, some couples may now receive separate or adjusted payments.
How Does the DWP Decide Who in the Couple Gets the Payment?
In most cases, the Winter Fuel Payment is sent to the person who receives benefits, such as the State Pension, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit, on behalf of the household. If both partners are eligible but only one receives a qualifying benefit, that person will usually be selected by the DWP as the recipient.
Where neither partner receives any qualifying benefits, the DWP may assign the payment to one partner based on existing records. In any case, the payment is meant to reflect the needs of the household, not each individual.
If the couple claims a joint benefit, such as a joint Pension Credit award, then only the main claimant will receive the Winter Fuel Payment for the couple.
This system helps streamline the process but may lead to confusion, particularly when a couple expects two payments or notices a lower amount than anticipated.
Can Couples Receive Separate Payments Under the New Income-Based Criteria?
Under policy updates introduced in 2024 and continuing through 2025, some couples may now qualify for separate Winter Fuel Payments, depending on their income level and how they claim their benefits.
According to information from sources including MoneySavingExpert and Yahoo News UK, the following conditions may allow for separate payments:
- The couple does not claim joint benefits
- Their combined income is £35,000 or less
- Both partners are over the qualifying age
- Each partner meets the eligibility criteria independently
This change is designed to ensure that lower-income pensioners in couples aren’t disadvantaged by shared household payments—especially where the finances of each partner are managed separately.
Let’s take an example:
Alan and Margaret, both aged 81, live together but handle their finances independently. They do not claim any joint benefits, and their combined income is £30,000. Under the current rules, they may each receive an individual Winter Fuel Payment, potentially up to £300 each, depending on other factors such as benefits and household setup.
This scenario reflects a growing effort by the DWP to recognise the financial diversity within households, particularly among older couples who may have different sources of income or benefit entitlements.
How Does Age Affect the Amount Couples Receive?
Age has a direct impact on how much a couple receives, particularly when one or both partners are over the age of 80. The Winter Fuel Payment is tiered, meaning that older pensioners receive higher payments, as they are often considered more vulnerable to the cold.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of typical payment tiers for the 2025/26 winter season:
| Age Group | Estimated Payment | Notes |
| Both partners under 80 | £250 – £500 | Lower end of payment scale |
| One partner over 80 | £300 – £600 | Higher tier payment, weighted towards older partner |
| Both partners over 80 | Up to £600 | Full entitlement based on age and benefits |
So, in a case where one partner is 79 and the other is 82, the DWP may issue a higher payment than if both were under 80, with the older partner receiving the payment if they’re also the main benefit claimant.
This age-based system is meant to ensure greater support for those with the highest heating needs and health risks during cold weather.
What Happens If Only One Partner Meets the Age Requirement?
If only one person in a couple is over the qualifying age—born on or before 22 September 1959—then only that individual is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.
This means the payment will reflect a single-person household, and the younger partner will not be considered, even if they share the same home and heating bills.
Let’s look at an example.
Jane, aged 67, qualifies for the payment. Her husband, Steve, is 64 and does not meet the age threshold. The household receives a reduced payment based solely on Jane’s eligibility. This can lead to lower financial support than couples where both are of qualifying age.
Can Couples Living Apart Receive Separate Winter Fuel Payments?
Yes, in certain situations, couples living at different addresses are treated as separate households, and the DWP can issue separate Winter Fuel Payments to each partner.
This applies in situations such as:
- A couple is legally separated or divorced
- One partner is living in a care home
- One partner is living abroad, under certain residency conditions
The key requirement is that the couple must not be living together during the qualifying week in September 2025. If they maintain separate addresses, each may be entitled to a full payment in their own right.
For example, if Paul and Moira are both aged over 80 and live in separate homes for health or care reasons, and both meet the eligibility criteria, they may each receive up to £300–£600 depending on their circumstances.
How Do Joint Benefits Impact Winter Fuel Payment Entitlement?
For couples who receive joint benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, the Winter Fuel Payment is made to the main claimant, the person named as the primary recipient on the benefits record.
In these cases, the payment is intended to reflect both partners’ circumstances. However, couples in this situation will generally not receive two payments, even if both partners are individually eligible by age and residency.
If your benefit status changes—such as moving from joint to individual claims or separating—you should notify the DWP. Doing so may affect whether the payment is shared or split in future years.
When Are Winter Fuel Payments Made for the 2025/26 Season?
Most eligible individuals will receive their Winter Fuel Payment between mid-November and the end of December 2025. The payment appears in your bank account with the reference “DWP WFP”.
For people who meet the eligibility criteria but aren’t paid automatically, a manual claim must be submitted by 31 March 2026.
This includes:
- Those not on State Pension or qualifying benefits
- Those who have recently become eligible
- Those living abroad in certain countries
If you believe you qualify but haven’t received a payment by early January, it’s advisable to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre or visit the official GOV.UK website.
What Other Heating Support Is Available to Couples in Winter 2025/26?
In addition to the Winter Fuel Payment, couples may also be eligible for several other winter support schemes in the UK:
- Cold Weather Payment: Paid automatically if your local area experiences seven consecutive days of temperatures below 0°C. Worth £25 per cold week.
- Warm Home Discount: A £150 rebate applied to electricity bills for eligible low-income or pensioner households.
- Household Support Fund: Managed by local councils, this fund offers help with energy bills, food, and essential household costs during winter.
Eligibility for these schemes often overlaps with the Winter Fuel Payment, and couples on low or fixed incomes should check with their local authority or energy provider to see what’s available.
What Should Couples Do to Ensure They Receive the Right Payment?
By 18 December 2025, most Winter Fuel Payments should have been issued. However, if you and your partner haven’t received yours, or are unsure about the amount, here’s what to do:
- Check your bank statement for a payment labelled “DWP WFP”
- If your circumstances have change such as a new partner, change of address, or change in benefits—contact the DWP
- If you’re new to the scheme or living abroad, ensure your manual claim is submitted before 31 March 2026
- If you’re on a low income but don’t receive joint benefits, consider whether you qualify for separate payments under the new rules
Understanding your household setup, benefits status, and income level is key to receiving the correct payment—and getting the help you need to stay warm this winter.
FAQs About Winter Fuel Allowance for Couples
Do both spouses receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they live together?
No. If living at the same address, the couple is treated as one household and typically receives a single combined payment.
Can we get separate payments if we handle our finances separately?
Yes, if you’re not claiming joint benefits and your income is under £35,000, you may be assessed individually.
What happens if only one of us qualifies by age?
Only the qualifying partner will receive the payment. The other partner is not factored in.
Will we receive anything if we recently moved in together?
If the move occurred after the qualifying week in September, you may still be considered separate for this winter’s payment.
Does living in a care home affect my payment?
Yes. People living in care homes may receive a reduced payment, and their partner at home may still qualify separately.
Can we apply for the payment if we’ve never received it before?
Yes, as long as you meet the age and residency criteria, you can submit a manual claim.
Will I lose my payment if my partner is living abroad?
Not necessarily. If they meet UK residency rules or live in an eligible country, they may still qualify.
