The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that automatic payments of up to £300 will be made to state pensioners this winter as part of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme. The payments, designed to help with heating costs, will be issued to eligible pensioners in England and Wales from November.
However, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will automatically reclaim the payment from pensioners whose total income exceeds £35,000. This will be done either through a change in tax code or by adding the amount to Self Assessment tax returns, effectively requiring those pensioners to repay the Winter Fuel Payment.
Eligibility for the 2026/27 tax year requires pensioners to have been born before June 28, 1960. Those born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 will receive £200, while those born before September 28, 1946 will get £300. The qualifying week is between September 21 and 27, 2026.
Letters confirming payment amounts will be sent from October, with money due to be paid automatically in November and December. Most pensioners receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit, will receive the payment automatically and do not need to claim it.
Pensioners who wish to opt out of receiving the payment must complete an online form before 11:59 pm on September 20, 2026, or call the helpline before 6 pm on September 18, 2026. Opting out is not required every year, as it will apply to future years unless the pensioner chooses to opt back in.
