Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months. You must have reached State Pension age. Your Winter Fuel Payment will be recovered through the tax system if your taxable income is over £35,000.

This page covers information about Winter Fuel Payments for 2026-27. 

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment for households that include someone born on or before 27 June 1960 (for 2026-27). If you have over £35,000 of taxable (gross) income per year, the payment you receive will be recovered through the tax system later on.

Winter Fuel Payment is designed to help you cover your heating costs over the winter months.

Am I eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?

You are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2026-27 if:

• you were born on or before 27 June 1960
• you are living in England or Wales for the qualifying week.

The qualifying week for winter 2026-27 is from Monday 21 until Sunday 27 September 2026.

How much Winter Fuel Payment could I get?

Your household receives £200 if at least one qualifying person is aged between State Pension age and 79. The payment is £300 if at least one qualifying person is aged 80 or above.

If you qualify and you receive Pension Credit or a working age means tested benefit such as Universal Credit, the whole payment will be made to one person in the household who receives the benefit.

If you do not receive a means-tested benefit, and there is more than one qualifying person in your household, the payments are split.

For example, for a couple aged 80 and 78, £200 will be paid to the older partner and £100 to the younger partner. If both partners are 80 years old or over, they each receive £150 and if they are both under the age of 80, they receive £100 each.

What if I live in a care home?

You're not entitled to Winter Fuel Payment if you lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier and you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

If you live in a care home and you don’t receive one of these benefits, your Winter Fuel Payment is £100 if you are under 80, if you are aged 80 or older it is £150.

How do I claim Winter Fuel Payment

Payments are automatic you do not need to do anything.

If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 27 January 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160. 

When will winter fuel payments be paid?

If you're eligible, the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026 will be paid directly into your account between November and December 2026.

Can I opt out of receiving the Winter Fuel Payment?

Yes, you can opt out before 6pm on 18 September 2026.

Contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 or online at www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim to say you do not want to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

You might prefer to receive the payment rather than opting out, in case you need help with your bills during the colder months. If your income is over £35,000 by the end of the financial year, the payment can be recovered through the tax system.