The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened applications for the 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payment, offering eligible pensioners between £100 and £300. Postal and telephone applications will remain open until March 31, 2027.
Most qualifying pensioners will receive the payment automatically without needing to submit a claim. However, the DWP is encouraging people to check the eligibility criteria to ensure they do not miss out on the payment.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
Winter Fuel Payments range from £100 to £300 and are available to individuals born on or before June 27, 1960, who normally reside in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland. Pensioners in Scotland now receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead.
The exact amount depends on the applicant's age and circumstances during the qualifying week, which ran from September 21 to 27. According to the new DWP application form, individuals who need to apply must have reached State Pension age before or during that qualifying week.
Who Does Not Need to Claim?
Based on the latest GOV.UK guidance, people do not need to submit a claim if they are eligible and receive any of the following: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Attendance Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, or Industrial Death Benefit.
Those in these categories should receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Who Must Submit a Claim?
Individuals who do not receive any of the above benefits or payments may need to apply. The DWP states that a claim is necessary if someone is not in receipt of any of those payments and either has never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment or has deferred their State Pension since their last Winter Fuel Payment.
The official application form clarifies that most eligible individuals will receive the payment automatically and that the form should only be completed if the DWP has specifically requested it, or if the applicant receives no DWP benefit or pension but has reached State Pension age and wishes to claim.
The form requires personal details including the applicant's National Insurance number, date of birth, address, and bank or building society details. At least one telephone number must also be provided. The deadline for submitting a claim is March 31, 2027.
