United Kingdom Winter Fuel Payment 2026–27
Winter Fuel Payment amounts depend on birth date and living circumstances. The income threshold determines whether HMRC recovers the payment rather than the initial amount.
On this page
- Winter 2026–27 range
- £100 to £300.
- Recovery threshold
- Total individual income over £35,000.
Winter 2026–27 and residence
People born on or before 27 June 1960 could receive between £100 and £300 towards heating bills for winter 2026–27. Most eligible people receive the payment automatically. DWP, Winter Fuel Payment (opens in a new tab).
People living in Scotland cannot get Winter Fuel Payment. GOV.UK says they might be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating payment. DWP, Winter Fuel Payment (opens in a new tab).
Amounts and the qualifying week
Amounts depend on birth date and circumstances during the qualifying week, 21 to 27 September 2026. DWP, Winter Fuel Payment amounts (opens in a new tab).
For someone living alone, or with no other eligible person, the payment is £200 for a birth date between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, or £300 for a birth date before 28 September 1946. DWP, Winter Fuel Payment amounts (opens in a new tab).
Living with another eligible person can change the amount. Where the person does not get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the amounts are £100, £150 or £200 depending on both birth dates. Joint benefit claims and care-home residence have separate rules on the amounts page. DWP, Winter Fuel Payment amounts (opens in a new tab).
The individual income threshold
If total income is over £35,000, HMRC takes the Winter Fuel Payment back. A partner’s income does not count towards this total. HMRC usually collects through the tax code, or through the tax bill for someone completing Self Assessment. HMRC, Winter Fuel Payment recovery (opens in a new tab).
Scope
This guide provides general information only. It does not assess individual tax liability or benefit entitlement and contains no worked example.