Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be on Pension Credit to qualify?

No, not for winter 2026 to 2027. For winter 2024 to 2025, eligibility was restricted to people receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits. That restriction no longer applies. You qualify on age and residence, subject to the disqualifying situations on the who qualifies page. Pension Credit can still change your household's amount, as explained on the Pension Credit page, and it is worth claiming in its own right if your income is low.

How much will I get?

Between £100 and £300. If you live alone, £200 if you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, or £300 if you were born before 28 September 1946. If you live with another eligible person and neither of you receives Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA, you generally get £100 or £150 each, with mixed-age splits. If one of you receives one of those benefits, the full £200 or £300 normally goes to one person. In a care home, £100 or £150. The full table and worked examples are on the amounts page.

Is the payment taxable? Will it affect my other benefits?

The payment itself does not affect your other benefits. But if your total income is over £35,000, HMRC will take the payment back — usually through your tax code, or through your Self Assessment return. Your partner's income does not count towards the £35,000. If you file a Self Assessment return, you must include the Winter Fuel Payment on it each year you receive it; it normally appears automatically as the “Winter Fuel Payment charge” if you file online.

I live in Scotland. Can I get it?

No. If you live in Scotland you cannot get a Winter Fuel Payment. You may be eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, run by Social Security Scotland. If you moved between Scotland and England, Wales or Northern Ireland around the qualifying week, check both schemes and your residence during 21 to 27 September 2026.

We are a couple. Do we both get paid?

It depends. If neither of you receives Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA, you are each paid a shared amount (£100 or £150 each in the simplest cases). If one of you receives one of those benefits, or you jointly claim one, one of you receives the full £200 or £300. Check the amounts table with both birth dates and both benefit positions before assuming either answer.

What if I deferred my State Pension?

If you receive none of the benefits that make payment automatic, and you deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment, you need to claim for this winter rather than wait for an automatic payment. The claim deadline is 31 March 2027. See the when paid page for the claim routes.

What if I move into a care home?

Report it promptly. If you are eligible, the care-home rates are £100 or £150. But if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related ESA and you lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier, you do not qualify. See the care homes page for worked examples.

Can I opt out?

You can no longer opt out for 2026 to 2027. Opting out for 2027 to 2028 opens on 21 December 2026. If you do not opt out and your income is over £35,000, you will receive the payment and HMRC will take it back. You can opt back in again by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 31 March 2027 for this winter.

Who do I contact about a problem?

The Winter Fuel Payment Centre: 0800 731 0160, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 731 0160; or by post to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 1LR. If your letter or payment has not arrived by 27 January 2027, contact them. If you disagree with a decision, ask for a mandatory reconsideration.

Is this site official?

No. This is an independent explainer, not affiliated with the DWP, HMRC or Social Security Scotland. It gives general information only and cannot decide your case. For a decision about your own circumstances, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre or check the GOV.UK Winter Fuel Payment guide.

This site gives general information only. It is not legal or financial advice, and it cannot decide your own case. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) decide each concrete case on its own facts. Always check the current GOV.UK guidance before you act, because rates and rules change.

Main source: GOV.UK, “Winter Fuel Payment” guide (winter 2026 to 2027), checked 25 October 2026. gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment.