State pensioners born before 1946 are set to receive an automatic Winter Fuel Payment of £300 directly into their bank accounts. This initiative applies in England and Wales to pensioners whose taxable income is £35,000 or less. Those with an income above this threshold will have the payment recovered through the tax system.
Eligibility extends to anyone born on or before 27 June 1960 who is living in England or Wales during the qualifying week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
Households are entitled to £200 if the qualifying individual is under 80 years old, and £300 if they are aged 80 or over. In households with multiple pensioners, specific rules determine the distribution of the payment.
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Recipients with an annual taxable income exceeding £35,000 will have the Winter Fuel Payment clawed back via PAYE or their Self Assessment tax return.
Eligible pensioners do not need to apply for the 2026 Winter Fuel Payment as it will be paid automatically, typically in November or December. A notification letter detailing the payment amount will be sent beforehand.
Most pensioners receive the payment automatically through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they already receive the State Pension or certain other benefits.
However, those who do not receive these benefits, have never claimed the payment before, or have recently deferred their State Pension must submit a claim manually once claims open on 21 September 2026 for the 2026/27 winter season.
Pensioners earning above the £35,000 threshold will have the payment fully recovered through the PAYE system or their Self Assessment tax return.
Those wishing to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026 must provide their National Insurance number and complete the online form by 20 September 2026 or call the helpline on 0800 731 0160 by 18 September 2026.
To qualify, a person must have reached State Pension age by the end of the qualifying week and have an income at or below £35,000. Households not receiving income-related benefits such as Pension Credit will receive a shared payment. For example, a couple both over State Pension age but under 80, and not receiving Pension Credit, will each receive £100.
Eligibility depends on a person’s age and residence during the qualifying week from 21 to 27 September 2026.