The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed automatic payments of up to £300 for state pensioners in an update this week.
The money is a Winter Fuel Payment that is awarded to eligible pensioners in England and Wales to help with heating costs throughout the winter. As the new tax year started on April 6, the DWP has now confirmed the eligibility criteria for the 2026/27 Winter Fuel Payments, which will roll out to households later this year. Pensioners will be eligible for this year’s payments if they were born before June 27, 1960 and live in England or Wales.
Pensioners who have a total income over £35,000 will see the Winter Fuel Payment automatically taken back by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) either by changing their tax code or adding the amount to their Self Assessment tax return.
The DWP has confirmed that pensioners who are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment will receive between £100 and £300 in the 2026/27 tax year.
Those born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960, will get £200 and those born before September 28, 1946, will get £300.
If you get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) then your payment amount may be different.
Most pensioners will receive the on the following 12 benefits will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November or December and don’t need to do anything to claim it:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- awards from the War Pensions Scheme
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
If you don’t get any of these then you will need to submit a claim for the payment if either of the following apply:
- you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before
- you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment
The DWP will send letters to eligible pensioners in October or November confirming the payment amount and this will then be paid in November or December.
The DWP said: “Most payments are made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you:
- how much you’ll get
- which bank account it will be paid into – this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits
“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 Centre.”