The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the key dates when pensioners could expect the Winter Fuel Payment to land in their bank accounts. The annual payment offers financial support to certain households with their heating costs, ranging from £100 to £300.
Eligibility and payment dates
To receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you must be born on or before June 27, 1960. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 21 to 27, 2026, a period known as the "Qualifying Week."
The DWP usually aims to send payments out in November and December. You should receive a letter beforehand, and you’ll be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into. If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 27, 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
How much you could receive
If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll get either £200 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, or £300 if you were born before September 28, 1946.
If you live with someone else who’s eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits: Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
If you do not get any of the benefits, you’ll get a payment of £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; £100 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 but the person you live with was born before September 28, 1946; £200 if you were born before September 28, 1946 but the person you live with was born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; or £150 if you and the person you live with were both born before September 28, 1946.
Joint claims and care home residents
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get a payment of either £200 if both of you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; or £300 if one or both of you were born before September 28, 1946.
If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim), you’ll get a payment of either £200 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; or £300 if you were born before September 28, 1946.
If you live in a care home, you could be eligible for £100 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; or £150 if you were born before September 28, 1946.
