The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending letters to eligible pensioners in October or November 2026 detailing their Winter Fuel Payment entitlement for winter 2026 to 2027. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2026, according to the DWP.
If you were born on or before 27 June 1960, you could get between £100 and £300 to help pay your heating bills. However, if your income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. Your partner's income does not count towards your total.
Payment amounts for winter 2026
The sum you receive depends on your date of birth and your circumstances during the qualifying week, which runs from September 21-27, 2026. State pensioners born before September 28, 1946, will receive an automatic £100 increase, meaning eligible pensioners over 80 will receive a total of £300, up from the standard £200.
If you share accommodation with another person eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment could vary if you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). If you do not get any of these benefits, you will get £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960. You will also get £100 if you were born between those dates but the person you live with was born before 28 September 1946. If you live in a care home and are eligible, you'll get £100 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960.
How payments are made
Payment will be made to the bank account where your benefits are typically deposited. The majority of eligible individuals receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. You do not need to claim if you receive any of the following DWP 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.
Rules are different for people living in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where different schemes exist.
What to do if payment is delayed
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 28, 2026, HMRC advises people to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. You can call the helpline on 0800 731 0160, send a letter by post, or use the email enquiry form.
