The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that an automatic £200 payment will be made to state pensioners under the age of 80 who were born between 1946 and 1960. This payment forms part of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme for the 2026-27 season.
Eligibility and Notification
Eligible individuals will receive a letter in October or November 2026 detailing the amount they will receive. If you do not receive a letter but believe you are eligible, you should check whether you need to make a claim. The amount you receive depends on your date of birth and your circumstances during the qualifying week, which runs from 21 to 27 September 2026.
Payment Amounts
Those born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 will receive £200. Individuals born before 28 September 1946 will receive £300. The payment does not affect any other benefits you may be receiving.
Household Scenarios
For households with two eligible people, the payment is split as follows:
- If both are aged 80 or over, each receives £150 (total £300).
- If one is 80 or over and the other under 80 (and eligible), the older person gets £200 and the younger gets £100 (total £300).
- If both are under 80 and eligible, each gets £100 (total £200).
- If only one person is eligible, that person receives £200 if under 80 or £300 if 80 or over.
The split is relevant for the recovery of payments from higher earners. If one household member has an income over £35,000, only that person will have the payment recovered.
Recovery and Opt-Out
Eligible individuals will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025-26, but it will be recovered by HMRC if their income exceeds £35,000. A new opt-out is required each year for those in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. An online form to opt out of the 2026-27 payment will be available from 1 April 2026. For taxpayers in Scotland, opting out with Social Security Scotland remains in force for future years without the need to repeat the process.
