The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed who will be eligible for the payment this winter, with letters being sent to pensioners
With the drop in temperature making a return to Wales, many households will be thinking ahead to winter, when the cost of heating a home can become a significant financial burden.
This winter, millions of eligible people will receive between £100 and £300 to assist with heating bills for the 2026/27 winter. The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free sum designed to support older people as the cost of living remains elevated, enabling pensioners to keep their homes warm.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed who will qualify for the payment this winter. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
The department is currently writing to pensioners this week to remind them to opt out, following HMRC’s request for 1.3 million people to repay the benefit this spring.
As the majority of recipients receive the payment automatically, regardless of whether they are entitled to it, those with an income exceeding £35,000 will be asked to return the money to the tax authority.
HMRC will reclaim your Winter Fuel Payment either by adjusting your tax code or by adding the sum to your Self Assessment tax return.
Who is eligible
If you were born on or before June 27 1960 you could be eligible for up to £300. If you are eligible you’ll receive a letter in October or November telling you how much you’ll get between £100 and £300.
You will not be eligible for the payment if you ordinarily reside outside Wales, England or Northern Ireland, were receiving free hospital treatment throughout the entire week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year prior, require permission to enter the UK and your granted leave stipulates that you cannot claim public funds, or if you were imprisoned for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
How much you will get paid if eligible
If you live alone or nobody else in your household is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you will receive either £200 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, or £300 if you were born before 28 September 1946.
If you live with someone else who is also eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment may differ if you receive one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you do not receive any of those benefits, you will receive a payment of:
- £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between September 28 1946 and June 27 1960
- £100 if you were born between September 28 1946 and June 27 1960 but the person you live with was born before September 28 1946
- £200 if you were born before September 28 1946 but the person you live with was born between September 28 1946 and June 27 1960
- £150 if you and the person you live with were both born before September 28 1946
If you and your partner make a joint claim for any of the benefits, one of you will receive a payment into the same bank account your benefits are paid into of either:
- £200 if both of you were born between September 28 1946 and June 27 1960
- £300 if one or both of you were born before September 28 1946
If you receive any of the benefits, you will get a payment of either:
- £200 if you were born between September 28 1946 and June 27 1960
- £300 if you were born before September 28 1946
If you reside in a care home and are eligible for the payment, you will receive either:
- £100 if you were born between September 28 1946 and June 27 1960
- £150 if you were born before September 28 1946
