The 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payment is worth £100 to £300, depending on age, living arrangements and benefit status during the qualifying week of 21 to 27 September 2026. Most eligible people are paid automatically in November or December, but some must make a claim.
Age and residence rules
You generally meet the age test if you were born on or before 27 June 1960. Eligibility also depends on where you live and your circumstances during the qualifying week. This GOV.UK scheme primarily covers England and Wales; Scotland uses Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, while Northern Ireland has separate administration.
How much will you receive?
A person living alone may receive £200 if born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, or £300 if born before 28 September 1946. Where eligible people live together, individual amounts can be £100, £150 or £200 depending on ages and whether a relevant means-tested benefit is jointly claimed. Eligible care-home residents may receive £100 or £150.
Automatic payment or claim?
You normally do not need to claim if you receive State Pension or one of the listed benefits, including Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, PIP or Carer’s Allowance. You may need to claim if you have never received Winter Fuel Payment or have deferred State Pension and do not receive another qualifying payment.
Claims for winter 2026/27 open on 21 September 2026. The official claim form will be published when the window opens.
The £35,000 income rule
The payment may still be issued if your personal total annual income exceeds £35,000, but HMRC will recover the full amount through PAYE or Self Assessment. A partner’s income is not combined with yours for this individual threshold. People who expect a full recovery can opt out.
Payment timetable
Eligible people should receive a letter in October or November confirming the amount and bank account. Most payments arrive in November or December. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if no letter or payment has arrived by 27 January 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is £300 paid to every pensioner?
No. £300 is the highest rate and normally applies to an eligible person born before 28 September 1946 in specified circumstances.
Does the payment reduce other benefits?
No. The payment itself does not reduce other benefits, though the separate tax charge applies above the income threshold.
Can someone living abroad qualify?
Some limited EEA or Swiss cases may qualify, but residence, genuine-link and country exclusions apply. Check GOV.UK rather than assuming eligibility.
Official information
GOV.UK — check if you need to claim
Japanese version
Read the Japanese-language article
