The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published the full list of people eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. The annual payment, provided by the UK government, offers financial help with heating bills during the winter months. Over 10 million people in the UK could receive up to £300.
Who is eligible for the payment?
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must have been born on or before 27 June 1960. The UK government states that eligible individuals could receive between £100 and £300 to help pay heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027.
If you qualify, you will receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount you will get. The sum is based on your date of birth and circumstances during the "qualifying week" of 21 to 27 September 2026. Any payment received will not affect other benefits.
Who is not eligible?
The government website also lists those who are not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. You will not qualify if you usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland; were in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before; need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states you cannot claim public funds; or were in prison for the whole week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
You can still get the payment if you live in a care home, unless you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or you lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier.
Automatic payments and how to claim
Most Winter Fuel payments are made automatically in November or December. If you do not receive a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 27 January 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
If you already receive certain benefits, including State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), income-related ESA, awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit or Industrial Death Benefit, you will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.
The deadline to claim for winter 2025 to 2026 was 31 March 2026. Claims for winter 2026 to 2027 open from 21 September 2026.
