The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated the qualifying birth dates for the Winter Fuel Payment for the 2026 to 2027 season. Previously, those born before 22 September 1959 were eligible for the payment, but the criteria have now been adjusted.
Under the new rules, individuals born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 will receive a Winter Fuel Payment of £200. Those born before 28 September 1946 will be eligible for a larger payment of £300.
In Scotland, this payment is known as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. For now, Scotland will follow the same eligibility guidelines as England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, the requirement to receive a means-tested benefit in order to qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment in the 2024/25 period remains in place.
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Starting in 2026/27, the payment will be available to anyone of state pension age regardless of their income. However, individuals with taxable income exceeding £35,000 will be required to repay the Winter Fuel Payment in full through the HMRC. This repayment will typically be handled via PAYE or through the Self Assessment tax return process, if applicable.
The DWP emphasizes that no one should be forced to file a tax return solely to repay the Winter Fuel Payment. Those who prefer not to receive the payment in the upcoming year must opt out by 15 September 2025.
Payment amounts may also vary depending on household circumstances. For those living with another eligible person, different payment rates apply if you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
If neither individual receives these benefits, the payment rates are as follows:
- £100 if both you and your cohabitant were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960.
- £100 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, and the person you live with was born before 28 September 1946.
- £200 if you were born before 28 September 1946 and the person you live with was born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960.
- £150 if both you and the person you live with were born before 28 September 1946.
These updated rules aim to continue supporting pensioners with winter heating costs while aligning eligibility with current policy changes.