State pensioners born before 1946 will receive an automatic £100 added to their Winter Fuel Payment, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham brings back the Winter Fuel Allowance for winter 2026. The Labour government, led by Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, will oversee the scheme's return, which pays £300 to those born before 1946 and £200 to younger claimants.
Eligibility and payment amounts
To qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment (WFP), you must have reached State Pension age. The annual payment is available to households that include someone born on or before 21 September 1959 for the 2025-26 period. If you or your partner are over State Pension age, you could receive £200 towards bills; if over 80, you could receive £300.
For those with taxable (gross) income over £35,000 per year, the payment will be recovered through the tax system later. HM Revenue & Customs provides a tool on the government website to check if your income exceeds the threshold and how the recovery will work.
Household rules and benefit recipients
You must be living in Wales or England during the qualifying week. If you or your partner receive Pension Credit or Universal Credit, one person will be paid the whole Winter Fuel Payment for the household. If neither receives these benefits, the payment is split between you and other qualifying people living with you.
For those aged 80 or older, the payment is £300 if you live alone, £200 if you live with someone under 80 who qualifies, or £150 if you live with someone who is also 80 or older. For those under 80, the payment is £200 if you live alone or £100 if you live with another qualifying person.
The automatic £100 top-up for pre-1946 pensioners is part of the government's commitment to restore the Winter Fuel Allowance, which had been means-tested in previous years. The scheme's return is expected to provide significant financial support to older households ahead of the colder months.
