The Winter Fuel Payment will be reinstated for winter 2026 to 2027 under new Labour Prime Minister Andy Burnham, but state pensioners born after 1946 will receive £100 less than their older counterparts.
Payment amounts differ by birth year
When the Winter Fuel Allowance returns, the £300 payment sum paid to state pensioners born before 1946 will be cut to £200 for those born after 1946. This means a reduction of £100 for the younger group of pensioners.
The payouts are due to be administered in the autumn and winter, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) already confirming eligibility. Mr Burnham becoming PM will not affect the criteria or payment amounts due to land in older people's bank accounts.
Government priorities and devolution
A spokesperson for the incoming prime minister said his Government would "put its focus where people need it right now". Allies have said he intends to make a “dynamic start” to his premiership and he is expected to use a speech to set out plans on the cost of living and highlight his core theme of devolving power from Whitehall to regions across the UK.
Mr Burnham has pledged to reach out to other parties and end a culture of political “point scoring” at Westminster.
DWP confirms payment details
On the Winter Fuel Allowance, the DWP confirmed previously: "Pensioners above the £35,000 threshold will have the full amount of the Winter Fuel Payment they received automatically collected via PAYE, or via their Self-Assessment return. No one will need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action. Pensioners who want to opt out and not receive the payment at all, will be able to do so, with details to be confirmed."
The DWP added: "No pensioner will need to take any action as they will automatically receive the payment this winter, and for those with incomes above the threshold it will be automatically recovered via HMRC. The payment of £200 per household, or £300 per household where there is someone over 80, will be made automatically this winter."
