Who gets Winter Fuel Allowance? Eligibility, payments and support

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment designed to help older people with heating costs during the colder months. If you are wondering who gets Winter Fuel Allowance, the rules depend mainly on your age, where you usually live and, in some cases, your circumstances at home.
For winter 2026 to 2027, eligible people can receive between £100 and £300. Most people who qualify will receive the payment automatically. In this guide, we explain who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, how much you could receive, whether you need to make a claim and when payments are expected.

Who gets the Winter Fuel Payment?

Your age and where you live during the qualifying period mainly determine whether you can receive the Winter Fuel Payment. For winter 2026 to 2027, you may be eligible if you:

• Were born on or before 27 June 1960
• Usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland

There are some exceptions. For example, you may not qualify if you spent an extended period in hospital receiving free treatment, were in prison during the qualifying week, or have certain immigration restrictions.

The qualifying week for winter 2026 to 2027 is 21 to 27 September 2026.

You can check the full criteria on the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment eligibility page.

What if my income is over £35,000?

For winter 2026 to 2027, eligible people can still receive the Winter Fuel Payment regardless of income.

However, if your individual taxable income is more than £35,000, HMRC will recover the payment through the tax system.

They assess your partner’s income separately, so their earnings do not count towards your £35,000 threshold.

How much you could receive and how it’s paid

The amount you receive depends on your age and living arrangements.

For winter 2026 to 2027, payments range from £100 to £300.

For example, if you live alone, or nobody else in your household is eligible, you could receive:

• £200 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960
• £300 if you were born before 28 September 1946

Different amounts may apply if you live with another eligible person, receive certain benefits or live in a care home.

You can check your circumstances using the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment payment guide.

Do I need to apply for Winter Fuel Payment?

Most eligible people receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically.

You will normally not need to make a claim if you receive benefits such as:

• State Pension
• Pension Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Carer’s Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Disability Living Allowance

There are several other qualifying benefits too.

You may need to make a claim if you do not receive one of the listed benefits and either have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before or have deferred your State Pension since your previous payment.

For winter 2026 to 2027, claims can be made by post from 21 September 2026 and by phone from 19 October 2026. The deadline for claims is 31 March 2027.

You can check whether you need to apply on the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment claiming page.

When will Winter Fuel Payment be paid?

Most eligible people will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November or December 2026.

You should also receive a letter in October or November confirming how much you will receive and the bank account the payment will go into.

If you believe you are eligible but have not received a letter or payment by 27 January 2027, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

You can find the latest payment information on GOV.UK.

What other help is available than winter fuel payment?

Winter Fuel Payment is not the only support that may be available.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for schemes such as the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments or support through your local council.

You should also check whether you qualify for Pension Credit, particularly if you are on a lower income.

You can find details of current support on GOV.UK.

Staying safe and comfortable at home this winter

Financial support with heating is important, but colder weather can also make everyday life more difficult for some older people.

Someone who already has reduced mobility, health conditions or difficulty managing independently may find tasks such as preparing meals, getting dressed, taking medication or keeping the home comfortable more challenging during winter.

Having the right support in place can help someone continue living safely and independently at home.

Home care support in Bromley, Lewisham and Southwark

If you or a loved one needs some additional help at home this winter, Caremark Bromley, Lewisham & Southwark can provide personalised support based around individual needs.

Our home care services can include:

• Personal care
• Companionship
• Preparing meals and drinks
• Medication support
• Help with everyday household routines
• Support getting around the home safely

Whether someone needs a little extra help each week or more regular support, our local team can discuss the different options available.

Contact Caremark Bromley, Lewisham & Southwark to talk about your care needs and find out how we can support you or your loved one at home this winter.