The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 to help cover their heating expenses this winter through the Winter Fuel Payment. Most eligible individuals receive the payment automatically, with no need to claim if they are already receiving certain benefits.
Eligibility and Automatic Payments
You do not need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment if you receive any of the following: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Other qualifying benefits include Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, and Industrial Death Benefit.
Payment Timeline and Amounts
Most payments are made automatically in November or December. You should receive a letter detailing how much you will get and which bank account it will be paid into—usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits. If you do not receive a letter or the money has not been paid by 27 January 2027, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
The deadline to claim for winter 2025 to 2026 was 31 March 2026. Claims for winter 2026 to 2027 will open from 21 September 2026.
Opting Out and Repayment
To opt out of receiving Winter Fuel Payments, you must complete the opt-out form before 11:59pm on 20 September 2026 or call the helpline before 6pm on 18 September 2026. You will need your National Insurance number. If your total income exceeds £35,000 and you did not opt out, HMRC will reclaim the payment. You cannot return it yourself. Opting out is a one-time decision; you will not receive future payments unless you opt in again by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 31 March 2027.
According to the DWP, you may have to repay the money if you do not report a change in circumstances promptly, provide incorrect information, or are overpaid by mistake.
