Around nine million pensioners in England and Wales are set to receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) from next month confirming how much they will receive through this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Letters and payment dates
Updated guidance on GOV.UK states eligible people will receive a letter in October or November telling them how much they will get. Most payments of between £100 and £300 will then be made automatically in November or December.
The annual payment is available to eligible people born on or before June 27, 1960, with the amount determined by their age and household circumstances during the qualifying week of September 21 to 27.
Eligibility and Scotland changes
Most people will receive the money automatically, but DWP guidance states anyone who does not receive a letter and believes they are eligible should check whether they need to make a claim.
It’s important for older people in Scotland to be aware they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as this has now been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP). The qualifying week for PAWHP this winter is Monday September 21 to Sunday September 27, 2026.
To be eligible, you must have been born on or before June 27, 1960 and lived in Scotland on at least the last day of the qualifying week. Payments of between £105.55 and £316.70 will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland from November.
Recovery and opting out
People with total annual income above £35,000 will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will recover the money. HMRC will do this by either changing your tax code or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return. Your partner’s income does not count towards your individual £35,000 threshold.
People who know their payment will be recovered can choose to opt out. To opt out of getting the Winter Fuel Payment, you need to either complete the online opt-out form before 11:59pm on September 20, 2026, or call the helpline before 6pm on September 18, 2026. You will need to provide your National Insurance number when using the online form or calling the helpline.
Payment amounts and timing
If you live alone or nobody you live with is eligible, you will get £200 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, or £300 if you were born before September 28, 1946. Payments can be different for people who live with another eligible person, with the amount depending on age and whether either person receives certain means-tested benefits.
Most eligible people will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November or December. The letter sent beforehand will tell you how much you will get and which bank account it will be paid into, usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits.
DWP guidance states that anyone who does not receive a letter or whose money has not been paid into their account by January 27, 2027 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
