{"content_id":"bo7iyme1fb","slug":"winter-fuel-payment-2026-27-how-to-claim","locale":"en","schema_type":"HowTo","category":"policy_guide","category_name":"Policy Guide","title":"Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27: How to Apply","summary":"Separate applications for Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27 open in the UK on September 21, 2026. First check whether you will be paid automatically and meet the residency requirements, then distinguish between household payment amounts and clawback rules based on individual income.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"OnBinder Editorial Team","url":"https://onbinder.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["Check whether you are eligible for a 2026/27 payment based on your date of birth and residence.","Determine whether you need to apply separately based on the pensions and benefits you receive and whether you have received the payment before.","Prepare your identification and bank account details, and check the application guidance available from September 21.","If a separate application is required, apply through the official process by the UK deadline of March 31, 2027.","Check the payment notice and deposit details, and review any HMRC clawback based on your individual income."],"content_markdown":"If you were born on or before 27 June 1960, first check the residence and automatic payment requirements. Separate claims will be available from 21 September 2026. Check the claim process on GOV.UK. (Verification: Claims for winter 2026/27 will be available from 21 September 2026, and the claim form will be published later. · Source gov.uk · checked 2026-04-01) The claim deadline is 31 March 2027.\n\nThe amounts are for winter 2026/27, and the claim opening date is based on guidance updated on 1 April 2026.\n\n## What should you prepare before applying on 21 September?\n\nFirst check whether you qualify for automatic payment, then prepare your claim information. Most eligible people will be paid without making a separate claim. The claim form page currently says the form will be published later. This does not mean you can submit a claim now.\n\n1. **Check your date of birth and residence.** People born on 27 June 1960 are also included in the age requirement.\n2. **Check whether you will be paid automatically.** Review the pensions and benefits you currently receive and your previous payment history.\n3. **Prepare your identity and account information.** Have your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number ready. Also check the account details for receiving the payment.\n4. **Check the guidance for the relevant year from 21 September.** Check the 2026/27 form on the GOV.UK claim form page. Follow the submission method and address shown on the published form.\n5. **Submit your claim before the deadline.** Anyone making a separate claim must apply by 31 March 2027.\n\nThe DWP Winter Fuel Payment claim form states:\n\n\u003e You can claim for winter 2026 to 2027 from 21 September 2026.\n\nFor telephone enquiries, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The number is **0800 731 0160**. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00–18:00 UK local time. Once claims open, you can also check whether claims can be made by phone.\n\nIdentity information is specified in the current contact guidance for the centre. Preparing account details is a recommendation based on previous claim guidance. Check the required fields again after the new form is published. The sources are the [DWP claim form guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-fuel-payment-claim-form) and the [centre contact guidance](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/report-change-circumstances).\n\n## Automatic payment and separate claim requirements\n\nIf you receive a specified pension or benefit, you usually do not need to make a separate claim. However, you must still meet the underlying eligibility requirements. Find your circumstances in the table below.\n\n| Current circumstances | What to do |\n|---|---|\n| Receiving State Pension or another benefit eligible for automatic payment | Check your payment letter. |\n| Not receiving any such benefit and have no previous payment history | Make a separate claim. |\n| Not receiving any such benefit and deferred State Pension after your last payment | Make a separate claim. |\n| Previously received a payment and do not meet the separate claim conditions above | Check whether you will be paid automatically. |\n| Previously opted out of receiving payments | Ask the centre to restart your payments. |\n\nBenefits eligible for automatic payment are:\n\n- State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit\n- Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment\n- Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance\n- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance\n- Payments under the War Pensions Scheme\n- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit\n- Incapacity Benefit, Industrial Death Benefit\n\nThis is not a scheme available only to Pension Credit recipients. Eligibility was expanded again from 2025/26. Check the current rules in the [GOV.UK claim guidance](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim).\n\n## What are the date-of-birth and residence requirements?\n\nThe basic eligibility requirement applies to ordinarily resident people born on or before 27 June 1960. The relevant areas are England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The amount and household circumstances are assessed based on 21–27 September 2026. This period is called the qualifying week.\n\n| Circumstances | Requirement to check |\n|---|---|\n| Ordinarily resident in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland | Winter Fuel Payment requirements apply |\n| Resident in Scotland | Check the separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment |\n| Ordinarily resident outside the UK | Does not meet the current Winter Fuel Payment residence requirement |\n| Immigration permission includes a condition prohibiting access to public funds | Excluded from payment |\n| In prison throughout the qualifying week | Excluded from payment |\n| Receiving long-term free inpatient treatment throughout the qualifying week and immediately beforehand | Check the long-term hospital stay exclusion rules |\n\nA long-term hospital stay must be distinguished from a short admission. The legislation specifies free inpatient treatment for more than 52 weeks immediately before the qualifying week. You must also be receiving that treatment throughout the qualifying week. Check the detailed conditions in the [GOV.UK eligibility guidance](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility).\n\n### Can care home residents receive it?\n\nLiving in a care home alone does not exclude you from payment. You are excluded when long-term residence is combined with receipt of certain benefits. GOV.UK specifies continuous residence since 29 June 2026 or earlier.\n\nThis is combined with conditions relating to receipt of Pension Credit and other benefits. These benefits also include Universal Credit and income-related ESA. Check both the admission date and benefit status during the qualifying week.\n\n### Where should residents of Scotland check?\n\nResidents of Scotland should check Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. The responsible body is Social Security Scotland. The basic date-of-birth requirement is on or before 27 June 1960. Residence on 27 September 2026, the final day of the qualifying week, is also checked.\n\nDo not apply the England and Wales payment table directly. Separate payment amounts and exception rules apply. You can check the [mygov.scot eligibility guidance](https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment/check-if-youre-eligible).\n\n## How much is the 2026/27 payment for each household?\n\nThe payment depends on your date of birth and the eligibility of anyone living with you. The amounts stated for 2026/27 range from £100 to £300. The amounts below are before income-based recovery. The table is in pounds sterling.\n\n| Circumstances during the qualifying week | Born 28 September 1946–27 June 1960 | Born before 28 September 1946 |\n|---|---:|---:|\n| Live alone or have no eligible person living with you | You receive £200 | You receive £300 |\n| All eligible people living with you are less than 80 and do not receive a specified benefit | You receive £100 | You receive £200 |\n| At least one eligible person living with you is aged 80 or older, and no specified benefit is received | You receive £100 | You receive £150 |\n| Eligible for payment while living in a care home | You receive £100 | You receive £150 |\n\nThe specified benefits in the table are Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and income-related ESA. A separate payment structure applies if these benefits are received. Also check whether the benefit is claimed jointly.\n\n| How the specified benefit is claimed | 2026/27 payment structure |\n|---|---|\n| Joint claim by a couple, both people less than 80 | £200 paid to one person |\n| Joint claim by a couple, at least one person aged 80 or older | £300 paid to one person |\n| Individual claim rather than a joint claim | £200 or £300 according to your date of birth |\n\nDo not apply the joint claim amount separately to both members of a couple. Check the final amount in each person’s letter. The source is the [GOV.UK payment amount guidance](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get).\n\n## How is it recovered if personal income is more than £35,000?\n\nIn principle, the full amount is recovered if an individual’s total annual income is more than £35,000. Your spouse’s income is not added to your own. If your income is exactly £35,000, it does not meet the “more than” condition. This is also not a system under which only part of the payment is repaid in proportion to the excess income.\n\nThe 2026/27 tax year runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. Do not determine your position based only on monthly take-home pay. You need to check your total annual income before deducting the Personal Allowance. Follow the questions in HMRC’s checker for detailed income items.\n\n| Tax treatment | Recovery method |\n|---|---|\n| PAYE applies and you do not file Self Assessment | Recovered from pay or pension by adjusting the tax code |\n| Self Assessment filer | Check the Winter Fuel Payment charge on the tax return |\n| The full amount cannot be recovered through the tax code | Check HMRC’s tax calculation guidance |\n| Making Tax Digital for Income Tax user | After filing, follow the payment process provided by HMRC |\n\nThis does not work by applying the ordinary income tax rate to the payment itself. A separate tax charge equal to the amount received arises. You do not need to register for Self Assessment solely because of this recovery. The source is [HMRC PAYE14020](https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/paye-manual/paye14020).\n\nThere is an exception for people who received certain means-tested benefits during the qualifying week. These include Pension Credit and Universal Credit. Income Support, income-based JSA, and income-related ESA are also included. If this applies to you, check HMRC’s exemption conditions for recovery.\n\n### Can payments for two years be deducted at the same time?\n\nHMRC can recover payments for two years during the same period. The current guidance includes an example of a tax code change in January 2027. This is a case where recovery of the 2026 payment begins while the 2025 payment is still being recovered. Check your own tax code notice for the actual deduction amount.\n\nTherefore, do not apply previous monthly recovery examples without adjustment. The winter for which a payment was received and the tax year in which it is deducted may differ. Check the latest treatment in the [GOV.UK income recovery guidance](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/if-your-income-is-over-35000).\n\n## Calculation example: payments received and final amounts retained by two people\n\nCalculate the couple’s payment amounts, then apply recovery separately to each person. The following example combines the official payment table with the individual recovery principle. It is not an actual payment decision for any individual.\n\nAssume both people are in the payment bracket for people less than 80. Assume both are eligible for payment. They do not receive any specified benefit. The individual incomes used are £36,000 and £22,000 from the HMRC example.\n\n| Category | A | B | Total |\n|---|---:|---:|---:|\n| 2026/27 individual annual income | £36,000 | £22,000 | Not combined for recovery assessment |\n| Payment before recovery | £100 | £100 | £200 |\n| Amount recovered | £100 | £0 | £100 |\n| Amount retained after recovery | £0 | £100 | £100 |\n\nA’s excess income does not cause B’s payment to be recovered. Treating the total deposit of £200 as the final support amount would produce an error. Show the amount after recovery separately in the household budget.\n\n## How do the payment period and claim deadline differ?\n\nPayments will mainly be made in November–December 2026. Letters are expected to be sent in October–November 2026. Payment is normally made into the account used for your pension or other benefits. This schedule does not guarantee the payment date for people who claim late.\n\n| Date | Meaning |\n|---|---|\n| 21 September 2026 | Separate claims open |\n| 21–27 September 2026 | Qualifying week for eligibility and household circumstances |\n| October–November 2026 | Payment letters expected to be sent |\n| November–December 2026 | Most payments expected |\n| 27 January 2027 | Contact the centre if no letter or payment has been received |\n| 31 March 2027 | General deadline for separate claims |\n\nThe claim deadline is 31 March of the year after the qualifying week. This is specified separately in the legislation for England and Wales and for Northern Ireland. Do not confuse it with the 2025/26 claim deadline. The sources are the [England and Wales regulations](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/969/pdfs/uksi_20250969_en.pdf) and the [Northern Ireland regulations](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2025/142/pdfs/nisr_20250142_en.pdf).\n\nIf you receive neither a letter nor a payment, first check again whether you need to make a claim. If you qualify for automatic payment, ask the centre about the payment status. The enquiry date is stated in the [GOV.UK payment schedule](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/when-youll-get-paid).\n\n## How do you opt out and restart payments?\n\nYou can opt out if you expect the payment to be recovered or do not want to receive it. Opting out does not affect your State Pension. Once you opt out, you will not receive payments in subsequent years either. To receive them again, you must separately request that payments restart.\n\n| Method | 2026/27 opt-out deadline |\n|---|---|\n| Official online form or the relevant pension administration service | Before 23:59 UK local time on 20 September 2026 |\n| Telephone | Before 18:00 UK local time on 18 September 2026 |\n\nAsk the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to restart payments. For 2026/27, the guidance says to contact the centre before 31 March 2027. Distinguish the claim deadline from the opt-out deadline. Follow the detailed process in the [GOV.UK opt-out guidance](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/opt-out-of-winter-fuel-payment).\n\n## How to keep claim and tax records separately\n\nSeparating eligibility, payment, and recovery records makes it easier to identify differences in amounts. The following is a record-keeping suggestion based on the official conditions. It does not create a separate submission obligation. You can use the same approach when helping a family member with a claim.\n\n1. **Keep eligibility records.** Note your address and living arrangements during the qualifying week. If you lived in a care home, also record your admission date.\n2. **Collect claim and payment records.** Keep a copy of the form you submitted and the payment letter. Compare the amount actually deposited with the amount in the letter.\n3. **Keep recovery records separately.** Record each person’s annual income and any tax code changes. Also state the year of the support payment.\n\n| Where the difference arose | Record to check first |\n|---|---|\n| Expected payment differs from the letter | Household composition and benefit status during the qualifying week |\n| Amount in the letter differs from the deposit | Payment account and bank transaction records |\n| Net pension income falls after the deposit | HMRC tax code and the year subject to recovery |\n\nReport changes of address or account to the centre promptly. An overpayment caused by incorrect information may have to be repaid. Repayment of such an overpayment must be distinguished from the tax recovery for high-income recipients.\n\n## Common mistakes when claiming\n\nDo not mix the age, household, and income requirements. In particular, automatic payment and whether you can ultimately retain the payment are separate determinations. Check the following before claiming.\n\n- **Do not exclude people born on 27 June.** The official age requirement includes people born on that date.\n- **Do not calculate £300 for each member of a couple.** Living arrangements and joint benefit claims affect the amount.\n- **Do not combine a couple’s income when assessing recovery.** The £35,000 threshold applies individually.\n- **Do not overlook a previous opt-out.** Even if your income has fallen, you may need to request that payments restart.\n- **Do not send the previous year’s claim form without checking.** Check the 2026/27 form and submission instructions.\n- **Do not claim through a link in a text message that asks for account details.** Open the official route directly through GOV.UK.\n\nHMRC does not ask you by text or email to transfer recovery payments. It also does not request account information that way. Distinguish a tax code change notice from a request to transfer money. This is specified in the [HMRC scam prevention guidance](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pensioners-urged-to-be-alert-to-winter-fuel-payment-scams).\n\n## Can you also receive other heating-cost support?\n\nWinter Fuel Payment does not affect other benefits. However, eligibility for other heating-cost schemes must be checked separately. Their application periods and payment methods also differ.\n\n| Scheme | Type of support |\n|---|---|\n| Winter Fuel Payment | Winter support based on age, residence, and household circumstances |\n| Cold Weather Payment | Support based on receipt of certain benefits and cold-weather conditions |\n| Warm Home Discount | Discount on energy bills when eligibility requirements are met |\n\nOne application does not cover every scheme simply because they all provide heating-cost support. Check each scheme in the official guidance for your area. Relevant routes are linked from the [GOV.UK scheme overview](https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment).","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIf you were born on or before 27 June 1960, first check the residence and automatic payment requirements. Separate claims will be available from 21 September 2026. Check the claim process on GOV.UK. (Verification: Claims for winter 2026/27 will be available from 21 September 2026, and the claim form will be published later. · Source gov.uk · checked 2026-04-01) The claim deadline is 31 March 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe amounts are for winter 2026/27, and the claim opening date is based on guidance updated on 1 April 2026.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-should-you-prepare-before-applying-on-21-september\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-should-you-prepare-before-applying-on-21-september\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat should you prepare before applying on 21 September?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst check whether you qualify for automatic payment, then prepare your claim information. Most eligible people will be paid without making a separate claim. The claim form page currently says the form will be published later. This does not mean you can submit a claim now.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck your date of birth and residence.\u003c/strong\u003e People born on 27 June 1960 are also included in the age requirement.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck whether you will be paid automatically.\u003c/strong\u003e Review the pensions and benefits you currently receive and your previous payment history.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare your identity and account information.\u003c/strong\u003e Have your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number ready. Also check the account details for receiving the payment.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck the guidance for the relevant year from 21 September.\u003c/strong\u003e Check the 2026/27 form on the GOV.UK claim form page. Follow the submission method and address shown on the published form.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubmit your claim before the deadline.\u003c/strong\u003e Anyone making a separate claim must apply by 31 March 2027.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DWP Winter Fuel Payment claim form states:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can claim for winter 2026 to 2027 from 21 September 2026.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor telephone enquiries, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The number is \u003cstrong\u003e0800 731 0160\u003c/strong\u003e. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 08:00–18:00 UK local time. Once claims open, you can also check whether claims can be made by phone.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdentity information is specified in the current contact guidance for the centre. Preparing account details is a recommendation based on previous claim guidance. Check the required fields again after the new form is published. The sources are the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-fuel-payment-claim-form\"\u003eDWP claim form guidance\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/report-change-circumstances\"\u003ecentre contact guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#automatic-payment-and-separate-claim-requirements\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"automatic-payment-and-separate-claim-requirements\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eAutomatic payment and separate claim requirements\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you receive a specified pension or benefit, you usually do not need to make a separate claim. However, you must still meet the underlying eligibility requirements. Find your circumstances in the table below.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCurrent circumstances\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to do\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Current circumstances\"\u003eReceiving State Pension or another benefit eligible for automatic payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to do\"\u003eCheck your payment letter.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Current circumstances\"\u003eNot receiving any such benefit and have no previous payment history\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to do\"\u003eMake a separate claim.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Current circumstances\"\u003eNot receiving any such benefit and deferred State Pension after your last payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to do\"\u003eMake a separate claim.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Current circumstances\"\u003ePreviously received a payment and do not meet the separate claim conditions above\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to do\"\u003eCheck whether you will be paid automatically.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Current circumstances\"\u003ePreviously opted out of receiving payments\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to do\"\u003eAsk the centre to restart your payments.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits eligible for automatic payment are:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eState Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncome-related Employment and Support Allowance\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayments under the War Pensions Scheme\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndustrial Injuries Disablement Benefit\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncapacity Benefit, Industrial Death Benefit\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a scheme available only to Pension Credit recipients. Eligibility was expanded again from 2025/26. Check the current rules in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim\"\u003eGOV.UK claim guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-are-the-date-of-birth-and-residence-requirements\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-are-the-date-of-birth-and-residence-requirements\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat are the date-of-birth and residence requirements?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic eligibility requirement applies to ordinarily resident people born on or before 27 June 1960. The relevant areas are England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The amount and household circumstances are assessed based on 21–27 September 2026. This period is called the qualifying week.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCircumstances\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRequirement to check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances\"\u003eOrdinarily resident in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Requirement to check\"\u003eWinter Fuel Payment requirements apply\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances\"\u003eResident in Scotland\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Requirement to check\"\u003eCheck the separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances\"\u003eOrdinarily resident outside the UK\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Requirement to check\"\u003eDoes not meet the current Winter Fuel Payment residence requirement\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances\"\u003eImmigration permission includes a condition prohibiting access to public funds\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Requirement to check\"\u003eExcluded from payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances\"\u003eIn prison throughout the qualifying week\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Requirement to check\"\u003eExcluded from payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances\"\u003eReceiving long-term free inpatient treatment throughout the qualifying week and immediately beforehand\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Requirement to check\"\u003eCheck the long-term hospital stay exclusion rules\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA long-term hospital stay must be distinguished from a short admission. The legislation specifies free inpatient treatment for more than 52 weeks immediately before the qualifying week. You must also be receiving that treatment throughout the qualifying week. Check the detailed conditions in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility\"\u003eGOV.UK eligibility guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#can-care-home-residents-receive-it\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"can-care-home-residents-receive-it\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCan care home residents receive it?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiving in a care home alone does not exclude you from payment. You are excluded when long-term residence is combined with receipt of certain benefits. GOV.UK specifies continuous residence since 29 June 2026 or earlier.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is combined with conditions relating to receipt of Pension Credit and other benefits. These benefits also include Universal Credit and income-related ESA. Check both the admission date and benefit status during the qualifying week.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#where-should-residents-of-scotland-check\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"where-should-residents-of-scotland-check\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhere should residents of Scotland check?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResidents of Scotland should check Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. The responsible body is Social Security Scotland. The basic date-of-birth requirement is on or before 27 June 1960. Residence on 27 September 2026, the final day of the qualifying week, is also checked.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not apply the England and Wales payment table directly. Separate payment amounts and exception rules apply. You can check the \u003ca href=\"https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment/check-if-youre-eligible\"\u003emygov.scot eligibility guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-much-is-the-202627-payment-for-each-household\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-much-is-the-202627-payment-for-each-household\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow much is the 2026/27 payment for each household?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe payment depends on your date of birth and the eligibility of anyone living with you. The amounts stated for 2026/27 range from £100 to £300. The amounts below are before income-based recovery. The table is in pounds sterling.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCircumstances during the qualifying week\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBorn 28 September 1946–27 June 1960\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBorn before 28 September 1946\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances during the qualifying week\"\u003eLive alone or have no eligible person living with you\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born 28 September 1946–27 June 1960\"\u003eYou receive £200\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born before 28 September 1946\"\u003eYou receive £300\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances during the qualifying week\"\u003eAll eligible people living with you are less than 80 and do not receive a specified benefit\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born 28 September 1946–27 June 1960\"\u003eYou receive £100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born before 28 September 1946\"\u003eYou receive £200\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances during the qualifying week\"\u003eAt least one eligible person living with you is aged 80 or older, and no specified benefit is received\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born 28 September 1946–27 June 1960\"\u003eYou receive £100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born before 28 September 1946\"\u003eYou receive £150\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Circumstances during the qualifying week\"\u003eEligible for payment while living in a care home\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born 28 September 1946–27 June 1960\"\u003eYou receive £100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Born before 28 September 1946\"\u003eYou receive £150\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe specified benefits in the table are Pension Credit, Universal Credit, and income-related ESA. A separate payment structure applies if these benefits are received. Also check whether the benefit is claimed jointly.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHow the specified benefit is claimed\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2026/27 payment structure\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"How the specified benefit is claimed\"\u003eJoint claim by a couple, both people less than 80\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026/27 payment structure\"\u003e£200 paid to one person\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"How the specified benefit is claimed\"\u003eJoint claim by a couple, at least one person aged 80 or older\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026/27 payment structure\"\u003e£300 paid to one person\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"How the specified benefit is claimed\"\u003eIndividual claim rather than a joint claim\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026/27 payment structure\"\u003e£200 or £300 according to your date of birth\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not apply the joint claim amount separately to both members of a couple. Check the final amount in each person’s letter. The source is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get\"\u003eGOV.UK payment amount guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-is-it-recovered-if-personal-income-is-more-than-35000\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-is-it-recovered-if-personal-income-is-more-than-35000\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow is it recovered if personal income is more than £35,000?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn principle, the full amount is recovered if an individual’s total annual income is more than £35,000. Your spouse’s income is not added to your own. If your income is exactly £35,000, it does not meet the “more than” condition. This is also not a system under which only part of the payment is repaid in proportion to the excess income.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2026/27 tax year runs from 6 April 2026 to 5 April 2027. Do not determine your position based only on monthly take-home pay. You need to check your total annual income before deducting the Personal Allowance. Follow the questions in HMRC’s checker for detailed income items.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTax treatment\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecovery method\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Tax treatment\"\u003ePAYE applies and you do not file Self Assessment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recovery method\"\u003eRecovered from pay or pension by adjusting the tax code\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Tax treatment\"\u003eSelf Assessment filer\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recovery method\"\u003eCheck the Winter Fuel Payment charge on the tax return\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Tax treatment\"\u003eThe full amount cannot be recovered through the tax code\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recovery method\"\u003eCheck HMRC’s tax calculation guidance\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Tax treatment\"\u003eMaking Tax Digital for Income Tax user\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Recovery method\"\u003eAfter filing, follow the payment process provided by HMRC\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis does not work by applying the ordinary income tax rate to the payment itself. A separate tax charge equal to the amount received arises. You do not need to register for Self Assessment solely because of this recovery. The source is \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/paye-manual/paye14020\"\u003eHMRC PAYE14020\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is an exception for people who received certain means-tested benefits during the qualifying week. These include Pension Credit and Universal Credit. Income Support, income-based JSA, and income-related ESA are also included. If this applies to you, check HMRC’s exemption conditions for recovery.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#can-payments-for-two-years-be-deducted-at-the-same-time\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"can-payments-for-two-years-be-deducted-at-the-same-time\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCan payments for two years be deducted at the same time?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHMRC can recover payments for two years during the same period. The current guidance includes an example of a tax code change in January 2027. This is a case where recovery of the 2026 payment begins while the 2025 payment is still being recovered. Check your own tax code notice for the actual deduction amount.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, do not apply previous monthly recovery examples without adjustment. The winter for which a payment was received and the tax year in which it is deducted may differ. Check the latest treatment in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/if-your-income-is-over-35000\"\u003eGOV.UK income recovery guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#calculation-example-payments-received-and-final-amounts-retained-by-two-people\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"calculation-example-payments-received-and-final-amounts-retained-by-two-people\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCalculation example: payments received and final amounts retained by two people\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalculate the couple’s payment amounts, then apply recovery separately to each person. The following example combines the official payment table with the individual recovery principle. It is not an actual payment decision for any individual.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssume both people are in the payment bracket for people less than 80. Assume both are eligible for payment. They do not receive any specified benefit. The individual incomes used are £36,000 and £22,000 from the HMRC example.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCategory\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eA\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eB\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTotal\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003e2026/27 individual annual income\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"A\"\u003e£36,000\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"B\"\u003e£22,000\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Total\"\u003eNot combined for recovery assessment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003ePayment before recovery\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"A\"\u003e£100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"B\"\u003e£100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Total\"\u003e£200\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eAmount recovered\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"A\"\u003e£100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"B\"\u003e£0\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Total\"\u003e£100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Category\"\u003eAmount retained after recovery\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"A\"\u003e£0\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"B\"\u003e£100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Total\"\u003e£100\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA’s excess income does not cause B’s payment to be recovered. Treating the total deposit of £200 as the final support amount would produce an error. Show the amount after recovery separately in the household budget.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-do-the-payment-period-and-claim-deadline-differ\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-do-the-payment-period-and-claim-deadline-differ\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow do the payment period and claim deadline differ?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePayments will mainly be made in November–December 2026. Letters are expected to be sent in October–November 2026. Payment is normally made into the account used for your pension or other benefits. This schedule does not guarantee the payment date for people who claim late.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDate\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMeaning\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e21 September 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eSeparate claims open\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e21–27 September 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eQualifying week for eligibility and household circumstances\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eOctober–November 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003ePayment letters expected to be sent\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eNovember–December 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eMost payments expected\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e27 January 2027\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eContact the centre if no letter or payment has been received\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003e31 March 2027\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Meaning\"\u003eGeneral deadline for separate claims\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe claim deadline is 31 March of the year after the qualifying week. This is specified separately in the legislation for England and Wales and for Northern Ireland. Do not confuse it with the 2025/26 claim deadline. The sources are the \u003ca href=\"https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/969/pdfs/uksi_20250969_en.pdf\"\u003eEngland and Wales regulations\u003c/a\u003e and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2025/142/pdfs/nisr_20250142_en.pdf\"\u003eNorthern Ireland regulations\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you receive neither a letter nor a payment, first check again whether you need to make a claim. If you qualify for automatic payment, ask the centre about the payment status. The enquiry date is stated in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/when-youll-get-paid\"\u003eGOV.UK payment schedule\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-do-you-opt-out-and-restart-payments\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-do-you-opt-out-and-restart-payments\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow do you opt out and restart payments?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can opt out if you expect the payment to be recovered or do not want to receive it. Opting out does not affect your State Pension. Once you opt out, you will not receive payments in subsequent years either. To receive them again, you must separately request that payments restart.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMethod\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e2026/27 opt-out deadline\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Method\"\u003eOfficial online form or the relevant pension administration service\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026/27 opt-out deadline\"\u003eBefore 23:59 UK local time on 20 September 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Method\"\u003eTelephone\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"2026/27 opt-out deadline\"\u003eBefore 18:00 UK local time on 18 September 2026\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsk the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to restart payments. For 2026/27, the guidance says to contact the centre before 31 March 2027. Distinguish the claim deadline from the opt-out deadline. Follow the detailed process in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/opt-out-of-winter-fuel-payment\"\u003eGOV.UK opt-out guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-keep-claim-and-tax-records-separately\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-to-keep-claim-and-tax-records-separately\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow to keep claim and tax records separately\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeparating eligibility, payment, and recovery records makes it easier to identify differences in amounts. The following is a record-keeping suggestion based on the official conditions. It does not create a separate submission obligation. You can use the same approach when helping a family member with a claim.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep eligibility records.\u003c/strong\u003e Note your address and living arrangements during the qualifying week. If you lived in a care home, also record your admission date.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollect claim and payment records.\u003c/strong\u003e Keep a copy of the form you submitted and the payment letter. Compare the amount actually deposited with the amount in the letter.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep recovery records separately.\u003c/strong\u003e Record each person’s annual income and any tax code changes. Also state the year of the support payment.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhere the difference arose\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecord to check first\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Where the difference arose\"\u003eExpected payment differs from the letter\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Record to check first\"\u003eHousehold composition and benefit status during the qualifying week\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Where the difference arose\"\u003eAmount in the letter differs from the deposit\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Record to check first\"\u003ePayment account and bank transaction records\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Where the difference arose\"\u003eNet pension income falls after the deposit\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Record to check first\"\u003eHMRC tax code and the year subject to recovery\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReport changes of address or account to the centre promptly. An overpayment caused by incorrect information may have to be repaid. Repayment of such an overpayment must be distinguished from the tax recovery for high-income recipients.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#common-mistakes-when-claiming\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"common-mistakes-when-claiming\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCommon mistakes when claiming\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not mix the age, household, and income requirements. In particular, automatic payment and whether you can ultimately retain the payment are separate determinations. Check the following before claiming.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not exclude people born on 27 June.\u003c/strong\u003e The official age requirement includes people born on that date.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not calculate £300 for each member of a couple.\u003c/strong\u003e Living arrangements and joint benefit claims affect the amount.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not combine a couple’s income when assessing recovery.\u003c/strong\u003e The £35,000 threshold applies individually.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not overlook a previous opt-out.\u003c/strong\u003e Even if your income has fallen, you may need to request that payments restart.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not send the previous year’s claim form without checking.\u003c/strong\u003e Check the 2026/27 form and submission instructions.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDo not claim through a link in a text message that asks for account details.\u003c/strong\u003e Open the official route directly through GOV.UK.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHMRC does not ask you by text or email to transfer recovery payments. It also does not request account information that way. Distinguish a tax code change notice from a request to transfer money. This is specified in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pensioners-urged-to-be-alert-to-winter-fuel-payment-scams\"\u003eHMRC scam prevention guidance\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#can-you-also-receive-other-heating-cost-support\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"can-you-also-receive-other-heating-cost-support\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCan you also receive other heating-cost support?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Fuel Payment does not affect other benefits. However, eligibility for other heating-cost schemes must be checked separately. Their application periods and payment methods also differ.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eScheme\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType of support\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Scheme\"\u003eWinter Fuel Payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Type of support\"\u003eWinter support based on age, residence, and household circumstances\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Scheme\"\u003eCold Weather Payment\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Type of support\"\u003eSupport based on receipt of certain benefits and cold-weather conditions\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Scheme\"\u003eWarm Home Discount\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Type of support\"\u003eDiscount on energy bills when eligibility requirements are met\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne application does not cover every scheme simply because they all provide heating-cost support. Check each scheme in the official guidance for your area. Relevant routes are linked from the \u003ca href=\"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment\"\u003eGOV.UK scheme overview\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Everyday Finance","Housing costs","Taxes"],"faqs":[{"question":"Am I eligible if I was born on June 27, 1960?","answer":"You meet the age criterion. However, you must also meet the residence requirements and not be subject to any exclusion conditions."},{"question":"When do applications for 2026/27 open?","answer":"They open on September 21, 2026. The DWP application page currently states that the form for that year will be made available at a later date."},{"question":"When is the application deadline?","answer":"The general deadline for separate applications is March 31, 2027. The regulations require applications to be submitted by March 31 of the year following the qualifying week."},{"question":"Do I need to apply if I receive State Pension?","answer":"If you meet the eligibility requirements, payment is usually made automatically. If you previously opted out of receiving it, check separately whether payments have resumed."},{"question":"Can I qualify even if I do not receive Pension Credit?","answer":"Yes. The current scheme is not limited to Pension Credit recipients. Check the date of birth, residence, and exclusion conditions."},{"question":"If both spouses are eligible, do they each receive £300?","answer":"No. The individual payment amount varies depending on date of birth and living arrangements. If you jointly claim a specified benefit, the combined amount may be paid to one person."},{"question":"Will it be recovered if my income is exactly £35,000?","answer":"The high-income recovery threshold is an individual annual gross income of more than £35,000. If it is exactly £35,000, this threshold is not exceeded."},{"question":"Will my payment also be recovered if my spouse has a high income?","answer":"It is assessed based on each person's individual income. Your spouse's income is not added to your own."},{"question":"When should I inquire if I have not received the payment?","answer":"If you have not received a letter or payment by January 27, 2027, contact the center. Also check whether you need to apply separately."},{"question":"Do residents of Scotland use the same application form?","answer":"Scotland operates a separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. Check eligibility and procedures at mygov.scot."},{"question":"If I opted out last year, will payments resume automatically this year?","answer":"They will not resume automatically. You must ask the center to resume payments. For 2026/27, the guidance says to contact them before March 31, 2027."},{"question":"Do I need to register for Self Assessment solely because of the high-income recovery?","answer":"You do not need to register solely because of this recovery. Existing filers should check the recovery amount on their tax return. Otherwise, it is normally collected through the PAYE tax code."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment","title":"GOV.UK — Winter Fuel Payment: Overview","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim","title":"GOV.UK — Winter Fuel Payment: Check if you need to claim","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/winter-fuel-payment-claim-form","title":"DWP — Winter Fuel Payment claim form, updated April 1, 2026","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility","title":"GOV.UK — Winter Fuel Payment: Eligibility","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get","title":"GOV.UK — Winter Fuel Payment: How much you'll get","type":"data_point"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/when-youll-get-paid","title":"GOV.UK — Winter Fuel Payment: When you’ll get paid","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/report-change-circumstances","title":"GOV.UK — Winter Fuel Payment: Report a change","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/if-your-income-is-over-35000","title":"GOV.UK — Winter Fuel Payment: If your income is over £35,000","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/paye-manual/paye14020","title":"HMRC — PAYE14020: Winter Fuel Payment Charge","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/opt-out-of-winter-fuel-payment","title":"GOV.UK — Opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/969/pdfs/uksi_20250969_en.pdf","title":"The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2025","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2025/969/pdfs/uksiem_20250969_en_001.pdf","title":"The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2025 — Explanatory Memorandum","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2025/142/pdfs/nisr_20250142_en.pdf","title":"The Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations Northern Ireland 2025","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.mygov.scot/pension-age-winter-heating-payment/check-if-youre-eligible","title":"mygov.scot — Pension Age Winter Heating Payment: Check if you're eligible","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/winter-fuel-payment","title":"nidirect — Winter Fuel Payment","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pensioners-urged-to-be-alert-to-winter-fuel-payment-scams","title":"HMRC — Pensioners urged to be alert to Winter Fuel Payment scams","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.gov.uk/estimate-income-tax","title":"GOV.UK — Estimate your Income Tax for the current year","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-09/Benefits%20Bulletin%203%20-%20Winter%20Fuel%20Payment%2011.9.2025.pdf","title":"City of Wolverhampton Council — Benefits Bulletin, September 11, 2025: Preparations for existing claims","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":1346,"url":"https://onbinder.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTkzNDQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--3a83f0d81d9e45efbb39041384822f0f154ee1df/ai-923fa5ad.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_photo","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"주방 식탁에서 서류를 살펴보며 전화 통화하는 노년 여성","caption":"한 여성이 식탁에 신청 서류를 펼쳐 놓고 전화로 문의하고 있다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Older woman on the phone reviewing paperwork at her kitchen table","caption":"A woman calls for help while reviewing application documents at her kitchen table.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"キッチンの食卓で書類を確認しながら電話する高齢女性","caption":"女性が食卓に申請書類を広げ、電話で問い合わせている。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Mujer mayor al teléfono revisando documentos en la mesa de la cocina","caption":"Una mujer consulta por teléfono mientras revisa documentos de solicitud en la mesa.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Perempuan lanjut usia menelepon sambil memeriksa dokumen di meja dapur","caption":"Seorang perempuan menelepon untuk meminta bantuan saat meninjau dokumen pengajuan.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Mulher idosa ao telefone analisando documentos na mesa da cozinha","caption":"Uma mulher telefona para pedir orientação enquanto analisa documentos de solicitação.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"年長女性在廚房餐桌旁通電話並查看文件","caption":"一名女性把申請文件攤在餐桌上，打電話詢問相關資訊。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Ältere Frau prüft am Küchentisch Unterlagen und telefoniert","caption":"Eine Frau bittet telefonisch um Auskunft, während sie Antragsunterlagen prüft.","description":null}}},{"id":1347,"url":"https://onbinder.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTkzNTAsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--b7c32693cd00e8a9d5cb7d1a349c52d5cc27a570/ai-462b04ba.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"상담 직원과 서류를 검토하는 노부부, 주택·금액·지급 절차 아이콘","caption":"노부부가 상담 직원과 지원금 신청 관련 서류를 살펴보고 있다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Older couple reviewing paperwork with an adviser and benefit payment process icons","caption":"An older couple reviews benefit application paperwork with an adviser.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"相談員と書類を確認する高齢夫婦と、住宅・給付手続きのアイコン","caption":"高齢夫婦が相談員と給付金申請の書類を確認している。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Pareja mayor revisando documentos con una asesora e iconos del proceso de pago","caption":"Una pareja mayor revisa con una asesora los documentos para solicitar una ayuda.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Pasangan lansia meninjau dokumen bersama penasihat dan ikon proses pembayaran bantuan","caption":"Pasangan lansia memeriksa dokumen pengajuan bantuan bersama seorang penasihat.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Casal idoso analisa documentos com uma consultora e ícones do processo de pagamento","caption":"Um casal idoso analisa com uma consultora os documentos para solicitar um benefício.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"年長夫婦與顧問查看文件，畫面疊有住宅、金額及付款流程圖示","caption":"一對年長夫婦正與顧問查看補助申請文件。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Älteres Paar prüft mit einer Beraterin Unterlagen und Symbole zum Auszahlungsprozess","caption":"Ein älteres Paar prüft mit einer Beraterin Unterlagen für einen Leistungsantrag.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-09-17T09:31:28+09:00","updated_at":"2026-09-17T09:31:28+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://onbinder.com/en/articles/winter-fuel-payment-2026-27-how-to-claim"}