State pensioners born before 28 September 1946 will automatically receive an extra £100 in their Winter Fuel Payment, bringing the total to £300 for the 2026-27 winter. Those born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 will receive £200. The payments will be issued automatically to all eligible pensioners, but anyone earning more than £35,000 per year will have to repay the amount through their tax return.
Winter Fuel Payment changes after means-testing U-turn
Earlier this year, the government announced that Winter Fuel Payments would become means-tested, stripping the £300 payment from most state pensioners unless they claimed certain benefits. However, after a partial U-turn by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the benefit was restored to all state pensioners, with the condition that those earning above £35,000 annually would have to give it back via HMRC. This means every pensioner will receive the payment upfront, but higher earners will effectively lose it through taxation.
According to the government, the amount paid depends on the recipient's age and circumstances during the "qualifying week" – for winter 2026-27, this falls between 21 and 27 September 2026. Pensioners aged 80 or over (born before 28 September 1946) qualify for the higher £300 payment, while those under 80 (born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960) receive £200.
How the payment is calculated and distributed
The qualifying week determines eligibility and the payment level. Most recipients will receive a letter confirming the amount and the bank account into which the money will be paid – typically the same account used for Pension Credit or other benefits. The government notes: "The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2025 to 2026 was 31 March 2026. Claims for winter 2026 to 2027 open from 21 September 2026."
For those who have not yet claimed, the window to apply for the 2026-27 payment opens on 21 September 2026. The payment is automatic for those already receiving benefits, but new claimants must submit an application by the deadline.
Additional context and implications
The restoration of the Winter Fuel Payment follows widespread criticism of the means-testing policy, which left millions of pensioners without support. The government's compromise ensures universal payment but claws back from higher earners. Older pensioners born before 1946 benefit most, receiving an extra £100 compared to younger recipients. The policy affects approximately 12 million state pensioners in the UK.
