DWP confirms who is eligible for £300 Winter Fuel Payment in 2026

DWP confirms who is eligible for £300 Winter Fuel Payment in 2026/27

As households begin to think about switching the heating back on, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed who will qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for the 2026/27 winter season. The payment, which is tax-free, will provide eligible individuals with between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs.

Eligibility and payment amounts

According to the DWP, people born on or before 27 June 1960 are eligible for the payment. The exact amount depends on circumstances. Most people living alone or with no one else in the household who qualifies can expect £200 if born between 24 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, and £300 if born before 24 September 1946. Others may receive different amounts depending on household composition.

The qualifying week for the 2026/27 payment runs from 21 to 27 September 2026. Most eligible people will receive the payment automatically in November or December, and the DWP advises that if no payment has arrived by a certain point, individuals should contact the helpline. Claims for the 2026/27 winter period open on 21 September 2026.

Who is eligible

To receive the payment, you must be born on or before 27 June 1960, as confirmed by the DWP. The payment ranges between £100 and £300, depending on circumstances. For example, someone born between 25 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 who lives alone could receive £200, while those born before 25 September 1946 could receive £300. Residents of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are covered, while those in Scotland may be eligible for a separate winter heating payment.

Payments are typically made automatically, with most people receiving the money in November or December. However, those with an income over £35,000 will be required to repay the payment unless they opt out. The DWP has set out several routes to opt out, including through the Manage your State Pension service, a dedicated opt-out form, or by calling the helpline before the relevant deadlines.

The qualifying week for the 2026/27 payment is expected to be 21 to 27 September 2026 from the information provided, and most eligible individuals will receive the payment automatically. Those who do not receive a letter by a certain point are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

Who is eligible

According to the DWP, to receive the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026/27, you must be born on or before 27 June 1960. The payment ranges from £100 to £300 depending on your circumstances, such as age and whether you live alone or with someone who also qualifies.

For example, someone born between 24 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 who lives alone or with no one else who qualifies can expect £200, while those born before 24 September 1946 could receive £300. The exact amount depends on household composition and eligibility of other residents.

Energy price cap expected to rise

The payment comes as analysts at Cornwall Insight predict the energy price cap will rise by around 4% in October, bringing a typical annual bill to £1,729. Cornwall Insight attributes the expected increase to heightened wholesale energy prices driven by the Middle East conflict and increased gas demand during European heatwaves. They noted that a proposed reduction in VAT on energy bills could mitigate some of the increase. The new cap will take effect as households begin using heating more regularly and will last for three months.

Overpayment recovery and opting out

Some recipients may have to repay part or all of their Winter Fuel Payment. The DWP and HMRC have asked around 1.3 million people to repay the payment, with those on incomes above £35,000 required to pay it back. People in this position can choose to opt out of receiving future payments, either online through the Manage State Pension service, by post, or by calling the helpline. Deadlines apply for opting out.

Who is not eligible

The payment is not available to people who were in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole qualifying week (21 to 27 September 2026) and the corresponding week the previous year, nor to those in prison during that week. People living in the UK with immigration permission that does not allow access to public funds are also excluded. Residents of Scotland do not receive the Winter Fuel Payment through the DWP but may be eligible for a separate winter heating payment from the Scottish Government.

How to claim

Most eligible people will receive the payment automatically, but some may need to make a claim. The DWP has set a deadline for claims and provides a helpline for those who need assistance. Claiming the Winter Fuel Payment does not affect other benefits.