The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of pensioners born before June 28, 1960, will receive Winter Fuel Payments ranging from £100 to £300 to help with higher heating bills during the colder months. Payments will be issued automatically to an estimated 9 million eligible pensioners in November or December 2026.
Qualifying Week and Eligibility
The qualifying week for the 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payment is Monday, September 21, to Sunday, September 27, 2026. To be eligible, individuals must have been born on or before June 27, 1960, and usually live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Those living in Scotland will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment as it has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP), administered by Social Security Scotland, with payments between £105.55 and £316.70.
Exclusions apply to those who were in hospital for free treatment for the entire qualifying week and the preceding year, those who require permission to enter the UK with a leave that prohibits claiming public funds, and those in prison for the whole qualifying week. Care home residents are eligible unless they receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and have lived in the care home since June 28, 2026, or earlier.
Payment Amounts Based on Circumstances
The amount received depends on the individual's birth date and household circumstances during the qualifying week. For those living alone or with no one else eligible, payments are: £200 for those born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960; and £300 for those born before September 28, 1946. For households where both occupants are eligible and do not receive certain benefits, payments vary: £100 if both were born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960; £100 if one was born between those dates and the other before September 28, 1946; £200 if one was born before September 28, 1946, and the other between those dates; and £150 if both were born before September 28, 1946.
For joint benefit claimants, one person receives either £200 (both born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960) or £300 (one or both born before September 28, 1946). For individual benefit claimants not part of a joint claim, payments are £200 or £300 based on the same age criteria. Care home residents who are eligible receive £100 (born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960) or £150 (born before September 28, 1946).
Payment Process and Important Dates
Eligible pensioners will receive a letter in October or November 2026 detailing the amount and the bank account into which the payment will be made, typically the same account used for State Pension or other benefits. Most payments will be made automatically in November or December. If no letter is received or the money has not been paid by January 27, 2027, individuals should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
The DWP emphasizes that the payment does not affect other benefits. However, for those with an annual income over £35,000, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will reclaim the payment by adjusting the tax code or adding the amount to the Self Assessment tax return. Pensioners can opt out of the payment by completing an online form before 11:59 PM on September 20, 2026, or by calling the helpline before 6 PM on September 18, 2026, providing their National Insurance number.
Scam Warning
The DWP warns that scammers may attempt to trick pensioners via text messages prompting them to click on links. These are not official DWP messages and should be deleted. Official guidance is available on GOV.UK.
