The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the eligibility rules for the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027. Pensioners born on or before 27 June 1960 could get between £100 and £300 to help with heating bills, but not everyone of State Pension age will qualify.
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment
According to the DWP, you can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 27 June 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 21 and 27 September 2026, which is called the ‘qualifying week’.
Most people get the payment automatically if they qualify. If you are eligible, you will receive a letter in October or November this year saying how much you will get, and payments will mostly be made in November or December 2026.
Who will not be eligible for the payment
You will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or if you were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that. You will also not qualify 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 the week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
Care home residents and the HMRC income rule
You can still get the Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home. However, you will not be eligible if you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and you lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier.
There is another rule to bear in mind if your income is more than £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. Your partner’s income does not count towards your total.
