Winter Fuel Payment 2026 to 2027 – who gets it and the 31 March claim deadline

If you were born on or before 27 June 1960 and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you may get £100 to £300 for winter 2026 to 2027. Most people are paid automatically. If you need to claim, the deadline is 31 March 2027.

Deadline
One-off deadline: 31 March 2027
Last checked
Checked against the official source: 21 October 2026

What if you miss the deadline? If you have to claim and miss 31 March 2027, you cannot get the payment for winter 2026 to 2027.

The Winter Fuel Payment helps with heating costs. For winter 2026 to 2027, the qualifying week is 21 to 27 September 2026. If your total income is over £35,000, HMRC will take the payment back, usually through your tax code. Your partner's income does not count.

How to do it

  1. Check that you were born on or before 27 June 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
  2. Wait for a letter in October or November. Most eligible people are paid in November or December 2026.
  3. If you do not get State Pension or another qualifying benefit, and have not had the payment before or have deferred your State Pension, claim it yourself.
  4. In Northern Ireland, you do not need to claim: eligible people are paid automatically. Check nidirect.gov.uk if you are not paid.
  5. In England and Wales, claim by post (from 21 September 2026) or by phone on 0800 731 0160 (from 19 October 2026) before 31 March 2027.
  6. If your income is over £35,000, you can opt out of the 2027 to 2028 payment from 21 December 2026.

Common questions

Who gets the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026 to 2027?

People born on or before 27 June 1960 who usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, with some exceptions. If your income is over £35,000, HMRC takes the payment back.

Can I get the Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland?

No. If you live in Scotland, you may be eligible for Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland instead.

What is the deadline to claim the Winter Fuel Payment?

The deadline to make a claim for winter 2026 to 2027 is 31 March 2027.

Official source: gov.uk

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This information is not legal or tax advice.