The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners born after 1946 will receive an automatic £200 Winter Fuel Payment for the 2026-27 season. The payment is designed to help with heating costs during the colder months and is issued automatically to eligible households.
Eligibility and Payment Amounts
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2026-27, you must have reached State Pension age and be living in England or Wales during the qualifying week. The 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 your bills. For those aged 80 or older, the payment increases to £300. The payment is made automatically, so no application is required.
Means-Tested Benefits and Household Splitting
If you or your partner receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, one person will be paid the entire Winter Fuel Payment for the household. In cases where neither you nor your partner receives one of these benefits, the payment is split between you and any other qualifying people living with you.
However, you are not entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home from 23 June to 21 September 2025 and receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance. For those in care homes who do not receive these benefits, the payment is £100 if you are under 80, and £150 if you are aged 80 or older.
Tax Recovery and Claim Process
Your Winter Fuel Payment will be recovered through the tax system if your taxable income exceeds £35,000 per year. This means that higher-income pensioners may see the payment clawed back through their tax code.
Payments are automatic, so you do not need to take any action. If you have not received your Winter Fuel Payment by January 2026, you can make a claim before 31 March 2026. To do so, contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
