The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the key dates when pensioners can expect the Winter Fuel Payment to land in their bank accounts. The annual payment offers financial support to certain households with their heating costs.
The Winter Fuel Payment ranges from £100 to £300 and aims to take the pressure off paying energy bills during the winter months. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.
The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 21 to 27, 2026. This is called the "Qualifying Week". The DWP has shared what you need to know about payment dates, how you'll get paid and how much you could expect.
Who is eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?
The DWP Winter Fuel Payment exists to help people with heating bills for the upcoming colder months. The temperature will soon drop and millions of people across the UK could be eligible to receive up to £300.
In order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you must be born on or before June 27, 1960. The amount you receive is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 21 to 27, 2026, referred to as Qualifying Week. After this week, people will now have to wait until they receive a letter in the post. You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home.
If you already receive any of the following benefits, you will get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically so you don't need to check if you're eligible: 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, and Industrial Death Benefit.
If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following apply: you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
DWP confirms payment dates
The DWP usually aims to send payments out in November and December. You should receive a letter beforehand. 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.
You can check full guidelines and eligibility on the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment Page.
How much you could receive
The standard range for heating bill support depends on your age and household circumstances. The lowest £100 payment is reserved for certain eligible groups based on DWP rules.
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either changing your tax code or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return.
If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll get either: £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’s eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment may be different if you get one of the following benefits: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
If you do not get any of the benefits, you’ll get a payment of: £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; £100 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 but the person you live with was born before September 28, 1946; £200 if you were born before September 28, 1946 but the person you live with was born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960; or £150 if you and the person you live with were both born before September 28, 1946.
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get a payment of either £200 if both of you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, or £300 if one or both of you were born before September 28, 1946. You’ll be paid into the bank account your benefits are usually paid into.
If you get any of the benefits (not as part of a joint claim), you’ll get a payment of either £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 in a care home, you could be eligible for £100 if you were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, or £150 if you were born before September 28, 1946.
