The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners born before September 28, 1946, will receive an automatic £100 increase to their Winter Fuel Payment for 2026, bringing the total to £300. Those born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960, will receive £200.
Eligibility and payment amounts
The payment amount is based on the recipient's age and circumstances during the 'qualifying week' from September 21 to 27, 2026. The DWP states that individuals of state pension age but under 80, born between those dates, will receive £200, while those aged 80 and over will get £300.
This follows two changes to the Winter Fuel Payment criteria in recent years. The system was made means-tested and tied to Pension Credit eligibility for winter 2024, which was widely criticized, before being changed again for winter 2025 to a universal payment with a clawback for those earning £35,000 or more.
How payments are made
Most eligible individuals will receive a letter in October or November detailing their payment amount and the bank account it will be paid into, usually the same as their Pension Credit or other benefits. Payments are typically made between mid-November and Christmas.
Age UK advises that those claiming Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance should receive the payment automatically. However, those who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, claim Universal Credit, or receive Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit may need to make a claim.
For inquiries or if payment is not received, the winter fuel payment helpline is available at 0800 731 0160.
