Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27: Who Gets It, How Much and When
Last updated: 1 October 2026
The Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027 is worth between £100 and £300. You can get it if you were born on or before 27 June 1960 and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Most people are paid automatically in November or December 2026. If your total income is over £35,000, HMRC will take the payment back.
Who can get the Winter Fuel Payment?
Here’s what you need to know:
You can usually get it if:
- you were born on or before 27 June 1960, and
- you lived in England, Wales or Northern Ireland during the qualifying week, 21 to 27 September 2026.
You usually can’t get it if, for that whole week, you were in hospital getting free treatment, in prison, or only visiting the UK. You also can’t get it if your visa says you can’t claim public funds.
Scotland: Winter Fuel Payment isn’t paid in Scotland. Instead, the Scottish Government pays the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
How much will I get?
The amount depends on your age and who you live with. “Older” means born before 28 September 1946 (age 80 or over during the qualifying week).
| Your situation | Born 28 Sep 1946 – 27 Jun 1960 | Born before 28 Sep 1946 |
|---|---|---|
| You live alone, or nobody you live with qualifies | £200 | £300 |
| You live with a partner who also qualifies (no means-tested benefits) | £100 each | £150 each (if both are 80+) |
| You live in a care home | £100 | £150 |
Couples where one partner is 80 or over and the other isn’t usually get £200 and £100. If you claim Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA jointly, one payment of £200 (or £300 if either of you is 80 or over) is made for the household. See GOV.UK for every combination.
The £35,000 income rule
Since winter 2025, people with a total taxable income over £35,000 still get the payment, but HMRC takes it back, usually through your tax code or Self Assessment. Only your own income counts, not your partner’s. If you know your income is over the limit, you can opt out so you don’t have to repay it later. GOV.UK explains how.
When is the Winter Fuel Payment paid?
- October–November 2026: letters go out telling you how much you’ll get.
- November–December 2026: most payments are made straight into your bank account.
The payment usually shows on your bank statement with your National Insurance number followed by “WFP”. If you think you should have been paid but haven’t been, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre (contact details are on GOV.UK).
Do I need to claim?
Most people get it automatically if they receive the State Pension or another qualifying benefit (such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit or certain disability benefits). You need to make a claim if you don’t get any of these and either you’ve never had the payment before, or you’ve deferred your State Pension. Claims for winter 2026 to 2027 opened on 21 September 2026.
Other help with heating costs this winter
- Pension Credit: it can unlock other help, including the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments. Many eligible pensioners don’t claim it, so it’s worth checking.
- Cold Weather Payment: £25 for each 7-day spell of very cold weather, for people on certain benefits.
- Your energy supplier: ask about payment plans and hardship funds if you’re struggling. See our guide to the October 2026 energy price cap.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Winter Fuel Payment taxable?
It doesn’t affect your other benefits. But if your income is over £35,000, HMRC recovers the payment.
I live abroad. Can I get it?
Generally no. You must usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. There are limited exceptions, so check GOV.UK.
Sources: GOV.UK – Winter Fuel Payment; How much you’ll get; Eligibility; How to claim.
