Some pensioners must claim their Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 before the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) deadline or risk missing out. While most eligible people will receive the money automatically, the DWP has warned that others will need to apply.
The payment is designed to help older people cover their heating bills during winter, with eligible pensioners receiving between £100 and £300 depending on their circumstances.
Who needs to claim
According to GOV.UK, people who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before may need to claim if they are not receiving certain benefits. This also applies to those who have deferred their State Pension since their last Winter Fuel Payment.
Benefits that usually mean the payment is made automatically include the State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.
Eligibility and amounts
For winter 2026/27, people must have been born on or before June 27, 1960, and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland to qualify. Those born before September 28, 1946, could receive up to £300, while those born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960, could get up to £200.
The amount paid will depend on whether someone lives alone, with another eligible person or receives certain benefits.
How to apply and deadlines
Pensioners who need to apply can do so by post or telephone, with the deadline for claims set for March 31, 2027. Most eligible pensioners should have received a letter in October or November telling them how much they will get.
However, those earning more than £35,000 a year will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered through HMRC, usually through their tax code or Self Assessment.
