Keep on top of your winter energy costs. Check the current eligibility criteria for the 2026/2027 Winter Fuel Payment and see if you need to make a claim.
Disclaimer: This content was true at the time of writing, but may now have changed.
Preparing for winter 2026 to 2027? See how your age and income affect your eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, and find out whether your payment will be made automatically.
2026 Winter Fuel Payment dates and eligibility
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a payment towards the cost of heating bills for people living in England and Wales.
1. If you live alone (or no one you live with qualifies)
- Aged 79 or under: £200
- Aged 80 or over: £300
2. If you live with someone else who qualifies
If you live with another eligible person, your payout depends on whether you get specific benefits (like Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related ESA):
If you make a joint benefit claim: One of you will receive a single payment for the household:
- Both aged 79 or under: £200
- One or both aged 80 or over: £300
If you get benefits individually (not a joint claim): You will each get your own payment:
- Aged 79 or under: £200
- Aged 80 or over: £300
If neither of you get these benefits: You will both receive individual, lower payments:
- Both aged 79 or under: £100 each
- Both aged 80 or over: £150 each
One under 80, one 80 or over: The younger person gets £100; the older person gets £200.
It has been confirmed that pensioners in Northern Ireland will be able to receive a Winter Fuel Payment in the same way as those in England and Wales.
Winter Fuel Payment is not available in Scotland. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland and will be paid by Social Security Scotland from winter 2025.
When is the qualifying week?
Eligibility is based on a person’s age and place of residence during the qualifying week. For winter 2026/27, the qualifying week will be 21 to 27 September 2026.
Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?
A person needs to have reached State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week to be eligible, as well as have an income of, or below, £35,000 a year.
For households not getting an income-related benefit like Pension Credit, they’ll get a shared payment. For example, if both people in a couple are under 80 years old (but over State Pension age) and not on Pension Credit, they’ll receive a payment of £100 each.
Can I get the Winter Fuel Payment if I live in a care home?
If you are eligible and live in a care home, you will receive a lower rate payment depending on your age:
- Aged 79 or under: £100
- Aged 80 or over: £150
You won’t get a payment at all if you receive means-tested benefits like Pension Credit or Universal Credit and have lived in the care home since June 28, 2026, or earlier.
Do you have to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you’re eligible, you don’t need to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2026 – it’ll be automatically paid to you. Most payments are made in November or December, and you should get a letter to tell you how much you’ll get.
Most people receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they get the State Pension or certain other benefits. If you don’t receive these benefits, have never received the payment before, or have recently deferred your State Pension, you must manually claim if you fall into this category. Claims open September 21, 2026, for the 2026/2027 winter.
Pensioners above the new £35,000 per year income threshold will have the full amount of the Winter Fuel Payment they received automatically collected via PAYE, or via their Self-Assessment return.
How can I opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment?
To opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026, you must provide your National Insurance number and either complete the online form by 20 September 2026, or call the helpline on 0800 731 0160 by 18 September 2026.
What is Pension Credit and how is it linked to Winter Fuel Payments?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that provides extra support for pensioners on low incomes. In 2024 when cuts were made to Winter Fuel Payments, receiving Pension Credit was a key factor in receiving Winter Fuel Payments. However, for 2026, this specific criteria no longer applies.
We still recommend using the Pension Credit calculator. Thousands of people entitled to Pension Credit are not currently claiming it, so checking your eligibility could open up doors to more financial support.
How can I get support?
Although many people will get Winter Fuel Payments in 2026, some people may still be worried about their finances over winter in light of rising energy bills. Here are ways to get more support to help you through the colder months:
1. Check if you’re eligible for extra benefits
Did you know that you could be entitled to benefits you don’t know about? Use our confidential and free benefits calculator to ensure you’re not missing out on valuable financial support. In just a few minutes, you can find out if you qualify for extra income.
You may also want to see if you’re eligible for the Cold Weather Payment or Warm Home Discount.
2. Check if you’re eligible for free grants
Don’t miss out on grants that don’t need to be repaid. The Turn2us Grants Search can help you find funding opportunities you may qualify for. Even a small amount of extra income could make a big difference, especially during the winter months.
3. Get more support
If you won’t be receiving the Winter Fuel Payment in 2025 and are worried about how this might affect you or your finances, don’t struggle alone. Get help near you through CAP and find ways to manage your money or access expert debt help.
If you just need someone to talk to, reach out to friends, family, or call Samaritans for free on 116 123. You may also find additional support in your community through your local church.
