Will you get the Winter Fuel Payment this year — and what do you need to do before September?

What is the Winter Fuel Payment — and why has it been in the news?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free annual payment from the government to help older people with their heating bills over the winter months. It has been running since 1997 and has long been a reliable source of support for millions of households.

In August 2024, the government announced a significant change: the payment would be restricted to only those receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. That decision caused widespread concern — particularly for people with modest incomes who did not qualify for Pension Credit but still found energy bills a real stretch.

Then, in May 2025, following considerable pressure from charities, campaigners and MPs, the government changed course. The Winter Fuel Payment was extended to all pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or less, bringing millions of households back into eligibility. That new rule applies for winter 2026/27 — and is what this article covers.

Who is eligible for the 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payment?

To receive the payment for winter 2026 to 2027, you need to meet all of the following conditions:

• You were born on or before 27 June 1960 (meaning you will have reached State Pension age during the qualifying week)
• Your individual annual income is £35,000 or less
• You are living in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland

One important point many people miss: the £35,000 threshold applies to your income only — not your household income. If you are part of a couple, your partner’s income is assessed separately. So if you receive £34,000 a year and your partner receives £50,000, you are still eligible in your own right, even though your combined household income is well over £35,000.

What counts as income for this purpose?

Your total income includes your State Pension, any occupational or private pension, salary or self-employment earnings, rental income, and savings interest above your Personal Savings Allowance. If you are unsure where your total sits, your most recent Self Assessment return or a call to HMRC (0300 200 3300) can give you a clear picture. ISA interest does not count, as it is tax-free.

How much will you receive?

The amount depends on your living situation during the qualifying week (21–27 September 2026):

• £300 — if you live alone, or no one else in your household qualifies for the payment
• £200 — if you live with someone else under 80 who also qualifies
• £150 — if you live with someone aged 80 or over who also qualifies

The rates are unchanged from last year. The money goes straight into your bank account and is completely tax-free.

Will you be paid automatically — or do you need to claim?

The good news is that most eligible people will receive the payment automatically, with no forms to fill in. DWP will use existing records to identify who qualifies, and eligible people can expect a letter in October or November 2026 confirming the amount. Payment follows in November or December.

However, you will need to make a manual claim if any of the following apply to you:

• You have never received the Winter Fuel Payment before
• You have deferred your State Pension (because you have not yet claimed it, DWP may not hold your bank details)
• Your payment has not arrived by the end of January 2027

Claims for winter 2026/27 open on 21 September 2026. You can claim online at GOV.UK or by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 (free to call, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).

What if your income is just over the £35,000 threshold?

If your income is above £35,000, DWP may still pay the Winter Fuel Payment automatically — but HMRC will reclaim the full amount. If you are employed or receiving a workplace pension via PAYE, it will be taken back through your tax code. If you complete a Self Assessment return, it will appear as a deduction there. You do not need to do anything differently; the clawback is handled behind the scenes.

If your income is borderline — somewhere around £33,000 to £37,000 — it is worth double-checking your figure before September. Remember that ISA interest, certain benefit payments (such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment), and the tax-free portion of any lump sums generally do not count toward the threshold. If in doubt, Age UK’s free advice line (0800 678 1602) can help you work it out.

What practical steps should you take before September?

For most people, no action is needed — the payment will arrive automatically. But a few simple checks now could save you trouble later:

• Update your bank details with DWP if you have changed bank accounts since you last received a Winter Fuel Payment. Call 0800 731 0160 to update before September.
• Check whether you have claimed your State Pension. If you have deferred it, you will need to register separately to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
• Look into Pension Credit if your income (including State Pension) is below roughly £11,400 a year as a single person, or £17,400 as a couple. Pension Credit tops up your income and is worth an average of £3,900 a year to those who claim it. Use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or call 0800 99 1234.
• Make a note to claim from 21 September if you have never received the Winter Fuel Payment before — for example, if you only recently reached State Pension age.