The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the 12 groups who will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. Over 10 million people in the UK could receive up to £300 as part of the scheme, so it's important to know who is eligible and how you can receive payment this winter.
In order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you must be born on or before June 27, 1960. The amount you receive is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 21 to 27, 2026, referred to as Qualifying Week. After this week, people will have to wait until they receive a letter in the post.
Automatic payment groups
If you already receive any of the following benefits, you will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically so you don't need to check if you're eligible:
- 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
- Industrial Death Benefit
If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following apply: you've not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or you've deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment. The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2026 to 2027 is March 31, 2027.
Payment amounts and timing
An exact payment date is yet to be announced, but the DWP usually aims to send payments out in November and December. If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 27, 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
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. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.
Eligibility exceptions
You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home. You will not be eligible if both of the following apply: you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or you lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier. You will not be eligible if you usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, 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 that you cannot claim public funds, or were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
