Who qualifies for winter fuel payments this year?

Rising energy bills and falling temperatures will put real pressure on many pensioners this winter, but some will be able to get winter fuel payments to help them get by. So who’s eligible this year and what do you need to do to get the support?

Who can get winter fuel payments?

Everyone over the state pension age with an annual income of £35,000 or less can get a winter fuel payment.

This means that more than nine million pensioners will be eligible for help with their bills this winter.

How much money will I get?

Pensioners will receive between £100 and £300, but the specific amount varies because of factors such as:

• whether you live as a couple
• if you’re entitled to other benefits
• if you live in a care home

Do I have to apply for a winter fuel payment?

Most people who qualify will automatically receive the payment.

So if you get a text or email urging you to apply, don’t engage with it - it’s a scam.

Find out if you need to claim

If you don’t get benefits such as the state pension, pension credit, universal credit or disability living allowance, you need to claim if you either:

• haven’t received the winter fuel payment before
• you’ve deferred your state pension since your last winter fuel payment

Details on how to claims for the 2026/27 winter fuel payment can be found at GOV.UK.

When will the winter fuel payment be paid?

If you qualify, you can expect to receive payments to arrive in November or December 2026.

But if you’re expecting a payment and don’t get one, check the letter you received from the Department for Work and Pensions saying you were eligible.

You can then check your details and contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

What other support is available?

As well as winter fuel payments, pensioners may be eligible for other support.

Pension credit

Pensioners on low incomes may be entitled to pension credit.

This is worth around £4,000 and can also open the door to other benefits, including:

• help with rent
• a council tax reduction
• fuel bill support
• a free TV licence if you’re over 75

Attendance allowance

If you have care needs, you could be eligible for attendance allowance - worth up to £5,740.

Cold weather payment

Low-income or eligible households can get a one-off payment of £25 for every seven-day period when temperatures in your area are at or below zero degrees.

Find out what help you can get

If you’re not sure if you qualify for extra help, give us a ring and we can help you find out if you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to.

Or you can use our free benefits calculator to see if you might be eligible for additional support.

Don’t assume you won’t qualify. 

Even if you own your home or have some savings, you could still be eligible.