The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that state pensioners aged 80 and over will receive a £300 payment towards heating bills from November, as part of this year's Winter Fuel Payment.
The payment is available to anyone born before June 28, 1960, with the lump sum ranging between £100 and £300 depending on individual circumstances. Most eligible pensioner households will receive the money in November and December.
Eligibility and payment amounts
According to the DWP's eligibility criteria for winter 2026 to 2027, older pensioners born before September 28, 1946 (aged 80 and over) will receive the largest payment of £300. Those with birthdays between September 28, 1946, and June 27, 1960, will receive £200.
These amounts apply to pensioners who live alone or live with someone who is not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. For those living with someone else who is eligible, payments will range from £100 to £200 depending on circumstances.
Payment process and letters
The DWP will send letters to eligible pensioners from October to clarify their payment amount, which is determined based on age and circumstances during the qualifying week between September 21 and 27, 2026. Most eligible people will be paid automatically in November or December 2026.
Confirming the payments, the DWP said: “If you were born before 28 June 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2026.”
Opt-out deadline for higher earners
Pensioners with an individual annual income of more than £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment clawed back by HMRC in the 2027/28 tax year unless they opt out. The DWP has set two deadlines in September 2026: 6pm on September 18 for phone opt-outs, and 11.59pm on September 20 for online opt-outs.
In a reminder on X, the DWP said: “If your income is over £35,000, Winter Fuel Payment is recovered through your tax. If you’d prefer not to receive it, you can opt out. Deadlines apply in September.” Pensioners do not need to repeat the opt-out process every year and won't receive future payments unless they choose to opt back in.
