Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27
By Omair SaoLast reviewed — rates for the 2026/27 tax year. See how we check our figures.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off payment made each winter to help people over State Pension age with heating costs. For winter 2026/27 it goes to anyone in England, Wales or Northern Ireland who was born on or before 27 June 1960 and was living there during the qualifying week of 21 to 27 September 2026. Scotland pays its own Pension Age Winter Heating Payment through Social Security Scotland instead.
The amount is £200 for most eligible people and £300 for those born before 28 September 1946 (aged 80 or over in the qualifying week). Where two people in the same household both qualify the payment is usually split, so each gets £100 or £150, unless they have a joint claim for Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA, in which case the household gets the full £200 or £300. People in care homes who are not on those benefits get £100 or £150.
Everyone over State Pension age receives the payment, but since winter 2025/26 anyone whose own taxable income for the tax year is over £35,000 has it taken back by HMRC, through a tax code adjustment or as a "Winter Fuel Payment charge" on their Self Assessment return. The test is individual, not per household, and there is no taper: £1 over the line costs the whole payment. Most people are paid automatically in November or December after a letter in October or November, and the payment does not affect any other benefit.
Winter Fuel Payment Rates 2026/27
Eligibility
- You were born on or before 27 June 1960
- You usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and were living there in the qualifying week, 21 to 27 September 2026
- You were not in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the qualifying week and the year before it, and not in prison for the whole qualifying week
- If you live in a care home, you are not on Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA while having lived there since 29 June 2026 or earlier
- There is no income test for receiving it, but HMRC recovers the full amount if your own taxable income for 2026/27 is over £35,000
How to Claim
Most people are paid automatically if they get the State Pension or a qualifying benefit. You only need to claim if you receive none of them or have deferred your State Pension: claim by post from 21 September 2026 or by phone on 0800 731 0160 from 19 October 2026. The deadline for winter 2026/27 claims is 31 March 2027.
If Your Claim Is Refused
A refusal, or an award lower than you expected, is not the end of the process. Ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter, explaining which part you disagree with and adding any evidence the decision maker did not have. If the reconsideration goes against you, you can appeal to an independent tribunal within one month of the reconsideration notice. The Ministry of Justice's tribunal statistics show that a large share of benefit appeals that reach a hearing are decided in the claimant's favour, so it is worth pursuing, and free help is available from Citizens Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Winter Fuel Payment paid in 2026?
Most payments are made in November or December 2026. You get a letter in October or November telling you how much you will receive, and the money goes into the account your State Pension or other benefit is paid into. It shows on your statement as DWP WFP with your National Insurance number. If nothing has arrived by mid-January, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Will I have to pay the Winter Fuel Payment back?
Only if your own taxable income for the 2026/27 tax year is over £35,000. Income includes the State Pension, private pensions, earnings, rental profit and savings interest outside an ISA. Your partner's income does not count. HMRC recovers the full amount, usually through your tax code, or through your Self Assessment bill if you file a return. There is no taper, so being £1 over the line means repaying all of it.
Can I opt out if I know I will be over £35,000?
Yes, but the opt-out deadline for winter 2026/27 was 20 September 2026 online and 18 September by phone. If you opted out in a previous year the choice carries over automatically. If you missed the deadline and are paid, HMRC simply recovers the same amount through the tax system, with no penalty or interest. You can opt back in until 31 March 2027.
Does the Winter Fuel Payment affect my other benefits?
No. It is tax-free, it is not counted as income for Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, and it is paid on top of the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments. Claiming Pension Credit can increase it, because a couple on a joint Pension Credit claim gets £200 or £300 rather than two half shares.
Official Sources
The rates and rules on this page come from the following official publications and were checked on 25 September 2026. Read how we check our figures.
Related Tools
Related Benefits
Pension Credit
A top-up for pensioners on a low income to bring their weekly income to a minimum level.
Attendance Allowance
A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.
Council Tax Reduction
Help with your council tax bill if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits.