State pensioners who are not automatically receiving their Winter Fuel Payment may need to make a claim to get up to £300. The payment, worth between £100 and £300 depending on circumstances, is being issued from October, but some retirees must contact the Government to receive the money.
According to the Government's Winter Fuel Payment support page, a claim is required if either of the following applies: you have not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or you have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment. The deadline to claim is March 2027, and the process can be completed by phone this October.
Payment amounts for 2026
The exact amount depends on circumstances during the qualifying week of September 21 to 27, 2026. Under the 2026 rules, those born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 who live with another state pensioner born in the same timeframe will each receive £100. The same £100 payment applies if the person you live with was born before September 28, 1946.
If both you and the person you live with were born before September 28, 1946, the payment rises to £150 each. A £200 payment is given if you were born before September 28, 1946 but the person you live with was born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960.
How to claim and repayment rules
For solo state pensioners, the payment is £200 if you were under 80 during the qualifying week, and £300 if you were over 80. Payments are sent automatically, but those earning more than £35,000 are expected to repay the amount to HMRC, either through a change of tax code or via a self-assessment tax return.
The Government states: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 21 to 27 September 2026. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits. HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either: changing your tax code; [or] adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return.”
Claims can be made by post from September 21, 2026, or by phone from October 19, 2026. The phone number to call is 0800 731 0160.
