How much each person gets in winter 2026 to 2027
GOV.UK bases the amount on when you were born and your circumstances in the qualifying week, 21 to 27 September 2026. The amounts are for each person.
If you live alone, or no one you live with is eligible: £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 get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA on your own (not a joint claim): £200 or £300 on the same dates.
If you and your partner jointly claim one of those benefits, one of you gets £200 (both born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960) or £300 (one or both of you born before 28 September 1946).
If you live with someone else who is eligible and neither of you gets one of those benefits: £100 each if you were both born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960; £100 for you and £200 for them if only they were born before 28 September 1946; £150 each if you were both born before 28 September 1946.
Added up for the household (our arithmetic, not a GOV.UK figure): £200 when both were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, and £300 when one or both were born before 28 September 1946.
In a care home: £100, or £150 if you were born before 28 September 1946. You are not eligible if you get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA and lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier.
The £35,000 income rule
GOV.UK: “If your total income is over £35,000, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. Your partner’s income does not count towards your total income.”
HMRC usually collects it through your tax code, or through your tax bill if you complete a Self Assessment tax return.
The exemption for people on benefits comes from the law, not from GOV.UK's Winter Fuel Payment pages. Section 681I(4) of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 says: “But P is not liable for the charge if P is entitled to a relevant benefit on any day in the qualifying week.” Section 681I(5) lists those benefits: Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit, income-related ESA and Universal Credit. The same section covers Scotland’s Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
When it is paid and who to contact
GOV.UK: “Most payments are made automatically in November or December.” You will get a letter in October or November saying how much you will get.
If you do not get a letter or the money by 27 January 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
GOV.UK says some people need to claim, for example if you have not had a Winter Fuel Payment before, or have deferred your State Pension since your last payment. The deadline to claim for winter 2026 to 2027 is 31 March 2027.
You can no longer opt out for winter 2026 to 2027. Opting out for winter 2027 to 2028 opens on 21 December 2026.
Northern Ireland and Scotland
Northern Ireland: nidirect says the eligibility rules are the same as for England and Wales, and the payment is tax free and does not affect your other benefits or income.
Scotland: GOV.UK says you cannot get a Winter Fuel Payment. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment is paid instead, between £105.55 and £316.70 for winter 2026 to 2027. Scotland also has a separate Winter Heating Payment for people on certain benefits.