The Winter Fuel Payment for 2026/27 is a tax-free lump sum from the government to help older UK residents with winter energy bills. For this period, eligibility extends to those born on or before June 28, 1960. The amount received depends on your birth date and circumstances.
Who Needs to Apply?
Most people receive the payment automatically. However, the DWP states two situations require an application: if you have not received the Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you have deferred your State Pension since your last payment. Claims for winter 2026 to 2027 open from 21 September 2026.
You do not need to claim if you receive any of the following: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, or Industrial Death Benefit.
Payment Amounts by Birth Date
If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible, you get £200 if born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, or £300 if born before 28 September 1946. If you do not receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related ESA, the amounts vary: £100 if both you and your housemate were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960; £100 if you were born between those dates but your housemate was born earlier; £200 if you were born before 28 September 1946 but your housemate was born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960; and £150 if both were born before 28 September 1946.
For joint benefit claims, one partner receives £200 if both were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, or £300 if one or both were born earlier. For individual benefit claims, the payment is £200 (born between those dates) or £300 (born earlier). Eligible care home residents get £100 (born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960) or £150 (born before 28 September 1946).
Income and Tax Implications
If your income exceeds £35,000 per year, HMRC will reclaim the payment by adjusting your tax code or adding it to your Self Assessment return. The DWP notes that your payment may differ if you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related ESA.
