As the chilly season starts to rear its head, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed who will be eligible for the upcoming Winter Fuel Payment. The annual tax-free lump sum is given to older people to help them cover the cost of heating their homes over the colder months.
A ‘qualifying week’ ran from September 21 until September 28 – and specific circumstances during this particular week determined who is eligible for the winter 2026-2027 payment, and the amount that each person will receive.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is a government grant of between £100 and £300. The exact amount you qualify for depends on when you were born and your specific circumstances during the qualifying week. If you are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment and live alone (or are the only person eligible for the grant in your household), you’ll get £200 if you were born between September 28, 1936 and June 27, 1960, and you’ll get £300 if you were born before September 28, 1946. If you live with somebody who is also eligible for the allowance (or you live in a care home), the amount changes slightly – and you can find out how much you’re likely to receive here.
The DWP have confirmed that pensioners will get a letting in October or November telling them how much Winter Fuel Payment they will be receiving. And most eligible people will receive their payment in November or December 2026. If your individual annual income is £35,000 or more, you will not be eligible to keep your Winter Fuel Payment, and will need to repay the grant in tax.
Who is not eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year?
The DWP recently confirmed the specific groups who will not be eligible for the 2026-2027 Winter Fuel Payment (even if their yearly income is below the £35,000 limit.
The government website reads: “You will not be eligible if you:
- were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026
- usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- were visiting England, Wales or Northern Ireland on 21 to 27 September 2026 (the ‘qualifying week’), but usually live somewhere else
- were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that
- need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds“
You can find out everything you need to know about the government’s Winter Fuel Payment and check your eligibility here.
