Older state pensioners will receive an automatic £100 increase in their Winter Fuel Payments this coming winter, with the amount rising from £200 to £300 for those aged under 80. The uplift comes as Andy Burnham inherits the existing system following years of changes to the benefit.
Background to the Winter Fuel Payment Changes
Millions of state pensioners lost their £300 Winter Fuel Payment in 2024 after the government announced the benefit would become means tested. For the vast majority of state pensioners, this meant they could no longer receive the payment unless they claimed the right benefits.
Since then, Sir Keir Starmer announced a partial U-turn over the benefit, returning the £200 or £300 payment to every state pensioner, and then taking it back from pensioners in tax if they earn more than £35,000 per year. Every state pensioner will be paid the money, and only those earning £35,000 or more in a year will have to give it back to HMRC in tax.
New Leadership and Payment Details
The UK now has another new Prime Minister in Andy Burnham, along with another Chancellor in John Healey, who takes over from Rachel Reeves. The new leaders are unlikely to announce further changes to the Winter Fuel Payment system this year, given the wide backlash against Starmer's first tweak-and-reversal.
The government has a system called "qualifying week" which is the effective cut-off date to get Winter Fuel Payment for the upcoming winter. The amount you get is based on this week. For 2026, the amount is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 21 and 27, 2026.
Who Gets the £100 Increase
Those who are of state pension age but aged under 80 will get an instant £100 increase, giving them a £300 payment instead of £200. This means that if you are now aged over 80 and qualify, your Winter Fuel Payment will be increased from £200 to £300.
Most people who qualify will get a letter telling them how much they will get and which bank account this will be paid into - which is usually the same as for your Pension Credit or other benefits. The government adds: "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."
