The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that millions of people born on or before June 27, 1960 will receive between £100 and £300 to help cover higher heating bills during the colder months. Winter Fuel Payments will be issued automatically to an estimated 9 million pensioners in November and December.
Payment schedule and qualifying week
Guidance on GOV.UK states that letters will be issued in October and November informing pensioners of the amount they can expect to receive. The qualifying period for the payment, which is determined by age and household circumstances, is September 21-27.
Older people in Scotland should be aware they will not receive a Winter Fuel Payment, as this has been replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP). The qualifying week for PAWHP this winter is Monday September 21 to Sunday September 27, 2026.
Eligibility and payment amounts
To be eligible for PAWHP, you must have been born on or before June 27, 1960 and lived in Scotland on at least the last day of the qualifying week. Payments of between £105.55 and £316.70 will be issued automatically by Social Security Scotland from November.
For the Winter Fuel Payment, you can get it if you were born on or before June 27, 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You will not be eligible if you usually live outside England and Wales, were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that, need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says you cannot claim public funds, or were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
Payment details and opt-out
DWP guidance 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 September 21 to 27, 2026. DWP is also reminding pensioners “any money you get will not affect your other benefits”. If your annual income is over £35,000, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either changing your tax code or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return.
To opt out of getting the Winter Fuel Payment, you need to either complete the opt out form before 11:59pm on September 20, 2026 or call the helpline before 6pm on September 18, 2026. You will need to provide your National Insurance number when you use the online form or call the helpline.
Payment amounts by circumstances
If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible, you will 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 is eligible, your payment may be different if you get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). If you do not get any of these benefits, you will 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.
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 and are eligible, you will get either £100 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, or £150 if you were born before September 28, 1946.
When you will get paid
DWP said most payments will be made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you how much you will get and which bank account it will be paid into, usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits.
DWP added: “If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 27 January 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.” The full DWP guide to Winter Fuel Payments 2026/27 can be found on GOV.UK.
