The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will automatically pay Winter Fuel Payments of between £100 and £300 to eligible pensioners in November and December 2026. The payment helps cover heating costs for the winter of 2026 to 2027.
To qualify, you must have been born on or before June 27, 1960. The exact amount you receive depends on your circumstances during Qualifying Week, which runs from September 21 to 27, 2026. Most eligible people will get the payment automatically, without needing to apply.
Who receives the payment automatically
You will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you already receive any of the following benefits: 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, or Industrial Death Benefit.
If you do not receive any of these benefits, you need to claim if you have not received the Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment. The DWP sends a letter before payment, and the money is paid into the same bank account as your usual benefits.
Who is not eligible
You will not be eligible if you usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or if you were only visiting those areas during Qualifying Week but usually live elsewhere. You also cannot claim if you were in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole of the week of September 21 to 27, 2026 and the previous year, if you need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says you cannot claim public funds, or if you were in prison for the whole of Qualifying Week.
People living in a care home can still receive the payment. Pensioners will be paid unless they choose to opt out.
Payment dates and repayment rules
Most payments are made automatically in November or December 2026. You should receive 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. If you do not get a letter or the money has not arrived by January 27, 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
If your total income is over £35,000, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will take the payment back. Your partner’s income does not count towards your total income. HMRC will usually collect the amount through your tax code, or through your tax bill if you complete a Self Assessment tax return.
