State pensioners born in certain years who live with another state pensioner could see their Winter Fuel Payment reduced to just £100 this coming winter. While many pensioners may expect payments of £300, that amount is only for one specific group, with most receiving £200 and some only £100.
Payment amounts by circumstances
The exact amount depends on circumstances as of the qualifying week, September 21 to 27, 2026. According to the 2026 rules from the Winter Fuel Payment service, those born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 who live with another state pensioner born in the same timeframe will each receive only £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, you will also receive £100. The payment rises to £150 each if both you and the person you live with were born before September 28, 1946.
Other payment scenarios
You get £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. For solo state pensioners not living with another state pensioner, the rules are simpler: you get £200 if you were aged under 80 during the qualifying week, and £300 if you were over 80.
Payments are sent out to everyone by default, with those earning more than £35,000 expected to pay the money back to HMRC, either through a change of tax code or via a self-assessment tax return for those who already have income to declare, such as rental income.
Government guidance on payments
The government explains: “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.”
