State pensioners under 80 will automatically receive £200 Winter Fuel Payments under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government. The payments are part of the 2026/27 scheme rolled out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for pensioners in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Eligibility and payment amounts
Payments worth between £100 and £300 help pensioner households with heating costs during winter. Eligible pensioners born before 28 June 1960 will receive payments automatically from November. Those born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 who live alone, or with someone ineligible, get £200. Pensioners aged 80 or over born before 28 September 1946 living alone receive £300. For those living with another eligible person, payments range from £100 to £200.
Automatic payments and claims
Most pensioners receiving benefits such as State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, PIP, Carer's Allowance, DLA, income-related ESA, War Pensions Scheme awards, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, or Industrial Death Benefit will get the payment automatically in November or December. Those not receiving these benefits must claim if they have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before or have deferred their State Pension since their last payment.
The DWP sends letters in October or November confirming the amount and payment account. Payments are made before the end of the year. The DWP stated: "Most payments are made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you: How much will you get 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 with total income over £35,000 will have the payment clawed back by HMRC via tax code changes or Self Assessment. To opt out, pensioners must complete an opt-out form by 11:59pm on 20 September 2026 or call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 6pm on 18 September 2026.
