As energy bills rise, letters are being sent out by the DWP to help pensioners with their fuel bills
Winter is on the way and there are fears about rising fuel costs. If you were born on or before 27 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.
However, if you’re income exceeds £35,000, then HRMC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. Your partner’s income does not count towards your total. You can check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back here.
People who are eligible for the payments are due to receive letters from the Department of Work and Pensions in October or November detailing their Winter Fuel Payment entitlement.
Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2026, according to the DWP.
The sums people will get depends on date of birth and your circumstances during the period of September 21-27, 2026 – the time known as the ‘qualifying week’.
State pensioners born before September 28, 1946, will receive an automatic £100 increase to their Winter Fuel Payments for winter 2026. This rise means eligible pensioners over 80 will receive a total £300, up from the standard £200.
If you share accommodation with another person eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, your payment could vary if you receive any of the following: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- If you do not get any of the benefits, you will get a payment of £100 if you and the person you live with were both born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960.
- You will also get a payment of £100 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, but the person you live with was born before 28 September 1946.
- If you live in a care home, too, if you’re eligible, you’ll get £100 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960.
Payment will be made to the bank account where your benefits are typically deposited. The majority of eligible individuals receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.
Rules are different for people living in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where different schemes exist.
You do not need to claim if you receive any of the following DWP benefits:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- awards from the War Pensions Scheme
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 28, 2026, HRMC advise people to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
You can either call the helpline on 0800 731 0160, send a letter by post or via the email enquiry form here.
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