DWP confirms £200 or £300 payments for state pensioners this year

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed eligible state pensioners in England and Wales will receive Winter Fuel Payments worth either £200 or £300 this year to help cover heating costs during the colder months.

The lump sum payments will be made during November or December ahead of winter energy bills increasing for millions of households.

To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment during the 2026/27 tax year, pensioners must have been born before June 28, 1960.

The amount each household receives will depend on a person's age and circumstances during the qualifying week, which this year falls between September 21 and September 27, 2026.

Pensioners born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 who live alone are set to receive £200.

Older pensioners born before September 28, 1946 are expected to qualify for the higher £300 payment.

The DWP confirmed that payment amounts can differ for people who share a home with another eligible claimant and receive certain means-tested benefits.

Those receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance may receive a different amount depending on their household circumstances.

Officials also confirmed the Winter Fuel Payment will not affect any other benefits recipients currently receive.

Most eligible pensioners will automatically receive the payment without needing to make a claim.

People already receiving state pension or qualifying benefits are expected to receive the money directly into their bank accounts.

Qualifying benefits include:

• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Carer's Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Awards made under the War Pensions Scheme.

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Recipients of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit and Industrial Death Benefit may also qualify for the payment.

Letters confirming payment amounts are expected to arrive in October or November before the money is paid.

The DWP said: "You'll get a letter in October or November telling you how much winter fuel payment you'll get, if you're eligible."

Officials added: "If you do not get a letter but think you're eligible, check if you need to make a claim."

Labour also confirmed there are circumstances where pensioners will need to apply manually rather than receiving the payment automatically.

This includes people who have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment or those who have deferred their state pension since their last payment.

Higher earners may also be required to repay the payment through the tax system.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will reclaim the payment from pensioners whose annual income exceeds £35,000.

The repayment will either be made through an adjustment to a person's tax code or through their Self Assessment tax return.

The DWP said the payments are intended to help pensioners manage higher energy costs during winter.

Most eligible households are expected to receive the money before January.

Officials said pensioners should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if the payment has not arrived by January 27, 2027.

The DWP added: "If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 27, 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre."