Winter Fuel Payment Rates 2026/27: How Much You Get and Who Can Claim
A yearly payment towards heating bills for people born on or before 27 June 1960. If your income is over £35,000, HMRC takes it back. The current rate is £100 to £300 for winter 2026 to 2027.
If you live alone, or no one you live with is eligible
| Your date of birth | Payment |
|---|---|
| 28 September 1946 to 27 June 1960 | £200.00 |
| Before 28 September 1946 | £300.00 |
How to claim Winter Fuel Payment on GOV.UK
Who can claim Winter Fuel Payment
- You were born on or before 27 June 1960.
- You usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (Scotland has its own Pension Age Winter Heating Payment).
- Most people are paid automatically in November or December 2026.
Key facts
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Qualifying week | The amount depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week, 21 to 27 September 2026. |
| Income over £35,000 | If your total income is over £35,000, HMRC takes the payment back through your tax code or Self Assessment. Your partner's income does not count. |
| Who gets less | If you live with someone else who is eligible and you do not get certain benefits, you get £100 or £150, depending on your birth dates. |
How to claim and how you are paid
Most people get it automatically and get a letter in October or November. If you do not get one of the qualifying benefits, you may need to claim by 31 March 2027.
Check what else you could be owed
You may be able to claim other help alongside Winter Fuel Payment. GOV.UK has a free benefits calculator that works out what you could get, and our benefit rates for 2026/27 page lists every main rate. See also the childcare help calculator and the Child Benefit charge calculator.
Source: GOV.UK: Winter Fuel Payment, how much you'll get, rates from April 2026. Rates and rules can differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where some benefits are devolved. This is general information, not advice about your own claim. Read how we check our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment in 2026/27?
Between £100 and £300. If you live alone or no one you live with is eligible you get £200 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, and £300 if you were born before 28 September 1946.
Do I have to pay Winter Fuel Payment back?
If your total income is over £35,000, HMRC takes it back through your tax code or tax return.
Can I get Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland?
No. In Scotland you may be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead.
How do I claim Winter Fuel Payment?
Most people get it automatically and get a letter in October or November. If you do not get one of the qualifying benefits, you may need to claim by 31 March 2027.
Figures from official sources, checked 2026-10-08. How we check our figures · About UK Answers · Report a mistake
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.