The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that automatic bonus payments will be issued to state pensioners later this year. If you were born before 28 June 1960, you could receive between £100 and £300 to assist with your heating bills for the winter of 2026 to 2027. This payment is known as the Winter Fuel Payment.
Eligibility and Payment Schedule
If you qualify, a letter detailing the amount you will receive will be sent in October or November. Most eligible individuals will be paid in November or December 2026. However, if your total income exceeds £35,000, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will reclaim the Winter Fuel Payment. Your partner's income is not counted towards this total.
Scam Warning
The DWP has issued a warning: "You may get calls, emails or messages that are pretending to be from a government service. If you get a message asking for your personal details (for example, bank details or passwords) this could be a scam."
Payment Amounts Based on Living Situation
If You Live Alone or with Someone Ineligible
- If you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960: £200
- If you were born before 28 September 1946: £300
If You Live with Someone Else Eligible
Your payment may differ if you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). If you do not receive any of these benefits, the amounts are as follows:
- Both born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960: £100 each
- You born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, other person born before 28 September 1946: £100
- You born before 28 September 1946, other person born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960: £200
- Both born before 28 September 1946: £150
If You and Your Partner Jointly Claim Benefits
- Both born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960: £200
- One or both born before 28 September 1946: £300
If You Claim Benefits Individually (Not Joint)
- Born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960: £200
- Born before 28 September 1946: £300
