The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that eligible older state pensioners will receive up to £300 towards their heating bills this winter through the Winter Fuel Payment. The lump sum payment will be issued from November to those born before June 28, 1960, but pensioners with a total income over £35,000 will have the amount clawed back by HMRC in the 2027/28 tax year.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
According to the 2026 criteria, pensioners born before September 28, 1946, are entitled to the largest payment of £300 if they live alone or no one else they live with qualifies. Those born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960, will receive £200 under the same circumstances. The qualifying week runs from September 21 to 27, 2026.
The DWP stated: “If you were born before 28 June 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.” Most eligible people receive the payment automatically and will be sent a letter in October or November confirming the amount, with payments typically made in November or December.
Living with Others and Means-Tested Benefits
For pensioners living with someone else who is also eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, the amounts range from £100 to £200 depending on their circumstances. Those receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) may receive a different payment amount.
Opting Out for Higher-Income Pensioners
Pensioners with a total income exceeding £35,000 who wish to opt out of receiving the payment must do so before the 2026 deadlines. The DWP has set two deadlines: by phone at 6pm on September 18, 2026, or online by 11.59pm on September 20, 2026. In a reminder on X, the DWP said: “If your income is over £35,000, Winter Fuel Payment is recovered through your tax. If you’d prefer not to receive it, you can opt out. Deadlines apply in September.” Once opted out, pensioners will not receive future payments unless they choose to opt back in.
