The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will issue Winter Fuel Payments to state pensioners in November or December, with eligible over-80s receiving a £300 bonus on top of their state pension. The payment, which was controversially means-tested in 2024, has been reinstated for millions by the Labour government.
Payment amounts and eligibility criteria
According to the DWP, pensioners who have reached state pension age but are under 80, specifically those born between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960, will receive a £200 payment. Those aged 80 or over, born before September 28, 1946, will receive an automatic £100 increase, bringing their total to £300.
The amount for 2026 is determined by the recipient's date of birth and their circumstances during the qualifying week, which runs from September 21 to 27, 2026. If a pensioner is aged 80 or over and qualifies during this period, their Winter Fuel Payment will rise from £200 to £300.
Qualifying week and notification process
The government has confirmed that eligible individuals will receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount of Winter Fuel Payment they will receive. Claims for the winter 2026 to 2027 period open on September 21, 2026.
However, certain individuals are not eligible for the payment. These include people who live outside England and Wales, those who were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire qualifying week and the preceding year, and individuals who require permission to enter the UK but whose granted leave prohibits claiming public funds. Additionally, those who were in prison for the whole of the qualifying week are also excluded.
Reinstatement and repayment conditions
The return of the payments follows controversy in 2024, when then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves opted to means-test the payouts. The Labour Party government has now reinstated the payments for millions of pensioners.
However, pensioners earning over £35,000 will be required to pay the Winter Fuel Payment back. This condition applies to those who receive the payment but exceed the income threshold.
