The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed automatic £200 payments for state pensioners under the age of 80 this winter. The money is a Winter Fuel Payment that will be issued to eligible pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from November to help with heating costs.
Eligibility for 2026/27 Payments
The DWP has confirmed the eligibility for the 2026/27 payments, with eligible pensioners set to automatically receive a lump sum of between £100 and £300 in November and December. This winter, state pensioners will be eligible for the payment if they were born before June 28, 1960, and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, but the exact amount depends on when your birthday falls.
Payment Amounts
Winter Fuel Payment amounts vary depending on your circumstances, but those aged under 80 will typically be awarded £200 from the DWP towards heating bills. The DWP has confirmed that eligible pensioners who live alone and were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, will receive a £200 Winter Fuel Payment. For older pensioners (those aged 80 or over) born before September 28, 1946, the Winter Fuel Payment will be £300. If you get Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), your payment amount may differ.
Automatic Payments for Benefit Recipients
Most pensioners who receive the following 12 benefits will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November or December, and don’t need to do anything to claim it: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, and Industrial Death Benefit.
If you don’t get any of these, then you will need to submit a claim for the payment if either of the following applies: you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
Payment Process
The DWP will send letters to eligible pensioners in October or November confirming the payment amount, and this will then be paid before the end of the year. The DWP said: “Most payments are made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you how much will you get and which bank account it will be paid into - this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits. If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 27 January 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.”
Tax Implications and Opt-Out
Pensioners who have a total income over £35,000 will see the Winter Fuel Payment automatically taken back by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) either by changing your tax code, or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return. To opt out of getting a Winter Fuel Payment, pensioners need to either complete an opt out form before 11.50pm on September 20, 2026, or call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 6pm on September 18, 2026.
