Winter Fuel Payment rules confirmed for winter 2026/27
Eligibility remains tied to receipt of Pension Credit or other qualifying benefits, with the £200/£300 payment paid automatically in November and December.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
Winter Fuel Payment will again be paid only to pensioners receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits during the qualifying week in September. The payment is £200 for households where the eldest person is under 80 and £300 where they are 80 or over.
Pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit but have not claimed are encouraged to do so before the qualifying week deadline to receive Winter Fuel Payment for this coming winter as well.
Payments are made automatically between November and the end of December into the same account that receives the State Pension. No application is needed for those already receiving qualifying benefits.
Pensioners ineligible for Winter Fuel Payment but on a low income may still qualify for the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments, or Household Support Fund grants through their local council.