The Winter Fuel Payment has changed a lot in the last couple of years. After being restricted to people on Pension Credit in 2024, it is now paid to most pensioners again, but anyone with an income over £35,000 has it taken back through the tax system.
Here is what you need to know for winter 2026 to 2027: who qualifies, how much you will get, when it arrives, and what happens if your income is over the limit.
Quick answer: If you were born on or before 27 June 1960 and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you should get a Winter Fuel Payment of £100 to £300 this winter. Most people do not need to claim, and it is paid in November or December 2026. If your own income is over £35,000, HMRC will recover it, usually through your tax code. In Scotland, you get the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead.
In this guide
- Who qualifies for winter 2026 to 2027
- How much you will get
- The £35,000 income rule
- When it is paid
- Do you need to claim?
- Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Other help with heating costs
Who qualifies?
You can usually get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2026 to 2027 if:
- you were born on or before 27 June 1960, and
- you usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, and
- you were living in the UK during the qualifying week of 21 to 27 September 2026
You will not usually get it if you live abroad, were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole qualifying week and the year before, were in prison for the whole qualifying week, or your immigration status means you cannot claim public funds.
If you live in a care home, you can still qualify, unless you get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance and have lived in the care home since 29 June 2026 or earlier.
How much will you get?
The amount depends on your age, whether you live alone, and whether you get certain benefits. “Older” below means born before 28 September 1946, so aged 80 or over during the qualifying week.
If you live alone, or no one you live with qualifies
| Your situation | Amount |
|---|---|
| Born 28 September 1946 to 27 June 1960 | £200 |
| Born before 28 September 1946 | £300 |
If you live with someone else who qualifies (and you do not get the benefits listed below)
| Your household | Amount |
|---|---|
| Both born 1946 to 1960 | £100 each |
| You born 1946 to 1960, they are older | £100 for you |
| You are older, they were born 1946 to 1960 | £200 for you |
| Both older | £150 each |
If you get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA
You get the full household amount: £200, or £300 if you or your partner was born before 28 September 1946.
If you live in a care home
You get £100, or £150 if you were born before 28 September 1946.
Winter Fuel Payments do not affect your other benefits.
The £35,000 income rule
If your own taxable income is over £35,000 for the tax year, HMRC will take the Winter Fuel Payment back. Your partner’s income does not count, so in a couple, one person may keep their payment while the other has it recovered.
HMRC collects it in one of two ways:
- through your tax code, usually by adjusting the code your workplace or private pension provider uses, or
- through your Self Assessment tax return, if you complete one
HMRC has said it may collect two years’ payments at once, which for two £200 payments works out at roughly £30 to £33 a month extra tax. It is worth checking your tax code when you get your coding notice. Our guide to how the State Pension is taxed explains how income is added up.
Can you opt out?
You can opt out if your income is over £35,000, or if you simply do not want the payment. For this winter, it is too late to opt out. Opting out for winter 2027 to 2028 opens on 21 December 2026. If you opted out but now want the 2026 to 2027 payment, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 31 March 2027.
When is it paid?
Most people will get a letter in October or November 2026, and the payment in November or December 2026. It usually goes into the same account as your State Pension or other benefits.
If you have not been paid by 27 January 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).
Do you need to claim?
Most people get it automatically. You do not need to claim if you get the State Pension or one of these benefits: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, income-related ESA, or certain war pensions and industrial injury benefits.
You do need to claim if you do not get any of those and either you have never had a Winter Fuel Payment before, or you have deferred your State Pension since your last payment. You can claim by post using the form on GOV.UK, or by phone from 19 October 2026. The deadline is 31 March 2027.
Beware of scam messages
Scammers often send texts or emails claiming you need to “apply” or “confirm your details” to get your Winter Fuel Payment. The government does not ask for bank details by text or email. If you need to claim, use GOV.UK or the official phone number. See our guide to avoiding scams in retirement and the scams currently targeting older adults.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Scotland: you cannot get the Winter Fuel Payment. Instead, Social Security Scotland pays the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment of between £105.55 and £316.70. Most people get it automatically, and letters are being sent from November 2026. The same £35,000 income rule applies, with HMRC recovering it from people over the limit.
- Northern Ireland: you can get the Winter Fuel Payment if you usually live there, under the same rules.
Other help with heating costs
- Pension Credit: if you are on a low income, claiming Pension Credit gives you the full household Winter Fuel Payment and can unlock other help, including Cold Weather Payments during very cold spells. Read our guide to Pension Credit.
- Warm Home Discount: a one-off discount on your electricity bill for eligible households, usually applied automatically if you get certain benefits.
- Council tax help: if money is tight, check whether you qualify for any council tax discounts for pensioners.
- Your energy supplier: many have hardship funds, and you can ask to join the Priority Services Register for extra support.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Winter Fuel Payment taxable?
It is not taxable for most people. But if your income is over £35,000, HMRC recovers the full amount through the tax system.
Do I have to spend it on heating?
No. You can spend it however you like.
I turned State Pension age recently. Will I get it?
If you were born on or before 27 June 1960, you qualify for this winter. If you do not get the State Pension or a qualifying benefit yet, you may need to claim.
My partner and I both qualify. Do we get two payments?
Usually, yes, each of you gets a share of the household amount, as shown in the table above. If you get Pension Credit or another listed benefit as a couple, the full amount is usually paid to one of you.
Final thoughts
For most pensioners, the Winter Fuel Payment will arrive automatically before Christmas. If you are close to the £35,000 limit, keep an eye on your tax code. And if you are on a low income, the most valuable thing you can do this winter is check whether you can get Pension Credit.
For more support you may be entitled to, see our guide to UK retiree benefits and the benefits you might be missing out on.
