Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27: who gets it, how much and the £35,000 rule
Published · 4 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a yearly sum to help with heating bills. This guide explains who qualifies for winter 2026 to 2027, the amounts, how it is paid, when you need to claim and how it is recovered from higher incomes.
Who this guide is for
This is general information for people who were born on or before 27 June 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It is not personal advice. It does not apply to people who usually live in Scotland, where a different payment exists (see below), or to people born after 27 June 1960.
The figures are for winter 2026 to 2027 and were checked on GOV.UK on 11 October 2026.
Who qualifies
Eligibility is based on the qualifying week, which is 21 to 27 September 2026. GOV.UK says you usually need to have been born on or before 27 June 1960 and to usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
GOV.UK lists some situations where you cannot get the payment:
- You usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or were only visiting during the qualifying week.
- You were in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole qualifying week and for the year before it.
- You need permission to enter the UK and your leave says you cannot claim public funds.
- You were in prison for the whole qualifying week.
Living in a care home does not rule you out in general. GOV.UK sets out a specific exception for some people in care homes who get certain benefits, so it can be worth reading the eligibility page.
How much is paid
The amount depends on when you were born and who you live with during the qualifying week. For a person living alone, or with nobody else eligible, GOV.UK gives these amounts.
If you live with another eligible person and do not claim certain benefits, the amount can be lower. For example, GOV.UK gives £100 each where both people were born between 1946 and 1960, and £150 each where both were born before 28 September 1946. Different amounts apply if you get a benefit or claim one jointly with a partner, and where only one person receives the payment. The full table is on the GOV.UK page linked below.
GOV.UK says the payment does not affect your other benefits.
How it is paid and whether you need to claim
Most eligible people are paid automatically. GOV.UK says you will get a letter in October or November telling you the amount, and most people are paid in November or December 2026.
You do need to make a claim if you have never received the payment before, or if you have deferred your State Pension since your last payment. For winter 2026 to 2027 the deadline for claims is 31 March 2027. GOV.UK says you can claim by post from 21 September 2026, or by phone from 19 October 2026.
GOV.UK also warns that messages asking for your bank details or passwords about this payment may be scams.
Income over £35,000
HMRC takes the payment back if your total income is over £35,000. GOV.UK says your partner's income does not count towards that figure. Income is the total you expect to receive in the tax year, before deductions.
HMRC usually collects the money through your tax code, so tax taken from wages or pension rises. If you file a Self Assessment return, it can be collected through your tax bill instead. GOV.UK says you can also opt out of the payment if you do not want it. The opt-out steps are on a separate GOV.UK page.
Scotland and other help
People who live in Scotland cannot get the Winter Fuel Payment. GOV.UK says they might be eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating payment instead, which is run separately.
GOV.UK also mentions other heating help in some circumstances, including Cold Weather Payments for people on certain benefits, the Warm Home Discount, and help from local councils. Each has its own rules.
Check before you act
Rules and amounts can change, and your own circumstances may differ. It can be worth confirming the details on the official GOV.UK pages linked below. Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper offer free, impartial help.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
