Winter 2026/27 at a glance
| Who gets it | People born on or before 27 June 1960, living in the UK in the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| How much (England and Wales) | £200 for your home, or £300 if someone is 80 or over |
| How much (Scotland) | £105.55 to £316.70, paid as the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment |
| When it’s paid | Automatically, in November and December 2026 |
| Taken back if | Your own income for the tax year is over £35,000, unless you get Pension Credit |
Couples
If you both qualify and neither of you gets Pension Credit, the payment is split:
| Both under 80 | £100 each |
|---|---|
| One 80 or over, one under 80 | £200 to the older one, £100 to the younger |
| Both 80 or over | £150 each |
If one of you gets Pension Credit, the whole amount is paid to them.
The £35,000 rule
Everyone who qualifies is paid. If your own income for the 2026/27 tax year is over £35,000, HMRC collects the same amount back through the tax system:
- If you fill in a tax return, it’s added to your tax bill.
- If you don’t, HMRC usually changes your tax code in a later year, so a little more tax comes off your pension or wages.
Each person’s income counts separately. A couple where one earns £40,000 and the other £15,000 only pays back the share paid to the higher earner. If you get Pension Credit, it’s never taken back.
Worked example
Ann is 82 and Ray is 76. Neither gets Pension Credit. Ray has a good work pension and £38,000 of income; Ann has £14,000.
| Ann (the older one) is paid | £200, and keeps it |
|---|---|
| Ray is paid | £100, but HMRC takes it back |
| They keep | £200 |
Questions
Do I need to apply?
Usually not. If you get the State Pension or another benefit, it’s paid automatically. If you haven’t had a letter or payment by 27 January 2027, call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Is the Winter Fuel Payment taxable?
No. It isn’t taxed, and it doesn’t affect other benefits. It’s only collected back if your income is over £35,000.
I live in a care home.
You may get a smaller amount, or none if you get Pension Credit and have lived in the care home since 29 June 2026 or earlier.