The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened the claim form for the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027, allowing state pensioners to apply for the annual bonus payment. The form went live on the DWP website on Monday, September 21, with retirees urged to submit a claim if they believe they are eligible.
To qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment, applicants must have been born on or before 27 June 1960. Those born after this date do not qualify, according to the DWP. The payment amount is based on the claimant's circumstances during the qualifying week, which for winter 2026/2027 runs from 21 September to 27 September 2026 inclusive.
Eligibility and Payment Details
The DWP states that most payments are made in November or December. Claimants must have reached State Pension age before or during the qualifying week to receive the payment. The DWP also warns that if a claimant's personal income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will recover the Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system.
The form is only to be completed if the DWP has specifically asked the individual to do so, or if the person does not receive any DWP benefit or pension but has reached State Pension age and wishes to claim. The DWP added: "If you live in Wales and want this form in Welsh call 0800 731 0160."
Immigration Control Restrictions
Individuals subject to immigration control cannot make a claim for a Winter Fuel Payment. If a claim is received from such a person, it will be disallowed. A person subject to immigration control is defined as someone who does not have permission to enter or stay in the UK, has permission but cannot claim public funds, is a sponsored immigrant who has been in the UK for less than five years, or whose sponsor dies before they have been in the UK for more than five years.
A sponsor is another person responsible for an immigrant's maintenance and accommodation. Further information on immigration control is available at www.gov.uk. If a claimant is not a British or Irish citizen and their immigration status changes, the DWP must be informed.
EU Citizens and Settled Status
For European Union, European Economic Area, or Swiss citizens who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 but have not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme, they and their families must apply straight away. Those who have lived in the UK for five years or more in a row can apply for settled status. Pre-settled status will not expire, but it may be beneficial to apply for settled status if the individual has lived in the UK for five years or more consecutively.
If a person does not have a valid immigration status, they may not receive Winter Fuel Payments. The DWP has not specified a deadline for claims, but payments are scheduled for November or December 2026.
