The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed five groups of people that will not be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments during the colder months of 2026 to 2027.
The Winter Fuel Payment scheme for winter 2025-26 has now been completed, with final payments having been made to pensioners by the end of January. The next payment schedule will begin in October 2026 for this coming winter where people could receive the benefit between £100 and £300.
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The DWP has now confirmed who will be able to get a payment and how much it will be this winter. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here.
The DWP said: “If you were born before 28 June, 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.”
“You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 27 June, 1960 and live in England or Wales. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 21 to 27 September, 2026. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.”
“Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.”
However, you will not be eligible if you are a part of one of the five groups that:
- live outside England and Wales
- 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
- were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September, 2026
- get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier
The DWP also said: “If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either: changing your tax code or adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return.”
HMRC will be contacting around 1.3m people asking for them to return their Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
HMRC will contact pensioners about repaying the Winter Fuel Payment if:
- They earn more than £35,000 per year
- They received a Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2025
- They don’t usually complete a self-assessment tax return
