The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Winter Fuel Payments of between £100 and £300 will be paid to eligible pensioners in November or December, with the qualifying week ending today (September 27).
The one-off, tax-free payment, which varies depending on age and individual circumstances, is expected to reach up to nine million people to help with rising heating bills over winter. Eligibility extends to pensioners born on or before June 27, 1960, and those who qualify will be told in October how much they will receive.
Qualifying week and payment details
The qualifying week for this year's payment runs from Monday, September 21, to Sunday, September 27. Most recipients will see the money paid directly into their accounts with no action required. The DWP is urging anyone who believes they are eligible but does not receive a letter to check on the government website whether they need to submit a claim.
Those wishing to decline the payment by telephone had to do so before 6pm on Friday, September 18, while the online opt-out window closed at 11.50pm on Sunday, September 20.
Scam warning and eligibility rules
The DWP has issued a warning about scammers during the qualifying week. “It’s important to be aware scammers may try and trick you into making a claim by text, prompting you to click on a link,” they said. “This is not an official DWP message and should be deleted.” The DWP also reminded pensioners that “any money you get will not affect your other benefits”.
You will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you usually live outside England and Wales, were in hospital receiving 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 you cannot claim public funds, or were in prison for the whole of that week.
You can get the payment if you live in a care home, but not if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and lived in a care home for the whole time from June 28, 2026 or earlier. If your annual income exceeds £35,000, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will reclaim the payment by changing your tax code or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return.
Payment amounts and schedule
If you live alone or with no one else eligible, you will get £200 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, or £300 if you were born before September 28, 1946. If you live with someone else who is eligible, amounts range from £100 to £200 depending on birth dates, with £150 if both were born before September 28, 1946.
For joint benefit claimants, one payment of £200 or £300 is made depending on birth dates. If you receive benefits individually, you get £200 or £300. Care home residents eligible for the payment receive £100 or £150.
Most payments will be made automatically in November or December. The DWP added: “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.”
