As the colder months approach, the Winter Fuel Payment can help with heating costs. Here’s what you need to know about the payment for winter 2026/27.
Who can get it?
If you were born on or before 27 June 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you could receive between £100 and £300. The amount depends on your age and circumstances during the qualifying week, which is 21 to 27 September 2026.
Most eligible people will receive the payment automatically. You should receive a letter in October or November telling you how much you will get, with most payments being made in November or December.
If you do not receive certain benefits, you may need to claim if you have not received Winter Fuel Payment before or have deferred your State Pension. Claims can be made by post from 21 September 2026 or by phone from 19 October, with a deadline of 31 March 2027.
What if your income is over £35,000?
If your total income is more than £35,000, HMRC will recover the Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system. Your partner’s income does not count towards this threshold.
Watch out for scams
Be wary of unexpected emails, texts, phone calls or social media messages asking for your bank details or personal information to arrange your Winter Fuel Payment. You will not be sent a text or email asking for your bank details. If you are unsure about a message, check the information directly through GOV.UK or nidirect rather than using a link or phone number provided in the message.
If you live in Scotland
Winter Fuel Payment does not apply in Scotland. Instead, eligible pensioners can receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which is worth between £105.55 and £316.70 for winter 2026/27. Most people will receive this automatically.
If you live in Northern Ireland
Winter Fuel Payment is administered separately in Northern Ireland, but the eligibility rules and payment amounts for 2026/27 are the same as in England and Wales. Eligible people should receive their payment automatically.
Find out more
You can check your eligibility, find out how much you could receive and see whether you need to make a claim on the official government website.
Check if you need to claim – GOV.UK
For members in Scotland:
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment – Social Security Scotland
