Millions of pensioners will start receiving their Winter Fuel Payments from mid-November, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming that the first payments are due to arrive this month.
There is no single payment date for everyone. Payments will be made in stages, with most eligible households across England, Wales and Northern Ireland receiving their money automatically during November or December.
The payments are worth between £100 and £300 for winter 2026/27. Anyone born on or before June 27, 1960, could qualify, with the amount depending on their age and household circumstances during the qualifying week in September.
When will Winter Fuel Payments be paid?
The DWP says Winter Fuel Payments will start arriving from mid-November, with payments continuing throughout December.
Most eligible pensioners do not need to apply and will receive the money automatically in November or December.
They should also receive a letter explaining how much they will get and which bank account the payment will go into. This is usually the same account used for their State Pension or other benefits.
Pensioners should not worry if their money has not arrived in mid-November, as payments are being made in stages.
However, anyone who has not received a letter or whose payment has still not arrived by January 27, 2027, should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Gordon Wallis, energy expert at Your NRG, said the payment could provide welcome support but urged pensioners to take steps to make their heating budgets stretch further.
He said: "The Winter Fuel Payment can provide a welcome bit of financial support for older households, particularly as temperatures begin to drop and heating systems are being used more regularly.
"However, it's important that pensioners think carefully about how they use this money and look at ways to make their heating budgets stretch further throughout the winter.
"Rather than relying solely on turning the heating up when temperatures fall, there are several simple improvements people can make around their homes to help retain warmth."
Three ways to keep your home warmer
1. Tackle draughts
Small gaps around windows, doors and floorboards can let warm air escape. Gordon recommends fitting draught-proofing strips, using draught excluders and filling unwanted gaps.
He said: "People often underestimate how much heat can be lost through seemingly insignificant gaps.
"Fitting draught-proofing strips around windows and doors, using draught excluders and filling unwanted gaps around floorboards can all help prevent cold air from entering the home.
"These are relatively straightforward improvements that could make rooms feel more comfortable without having to increase the heating."
The Energy Saving Trust also recommends draught-proofing to help reduce heat loss.
2. Make better use of curtains and radiators
Closing curtains as soon as it gets dark can help keep warmth inside, particularly in older homes with less efficient windows. Make sure furniture and heavy curtains are not blocking radiators, and programme heating around your daily routine.
Gordon said: "Closing curtains as soon as it gets dark can help reduce heat escaping through windows, particularly in older properties with less efficient glazing.
"It's also worth checking that radiators aren't blocked by furniture or heavy curtains, as this can prevent heat from circulating properly around a room.
"Making sure your heating is programmed around your daily routine can also help avoid wasting energy heating an empty home."
3. Don't block ventilation
While sealing gaps can help retain heat, pensioners should not block airbricks, extractor fans or trickle vents. Proper ventilation helps prevent condensation and damp.
Gordon said: "While sealing unwanted gaps is beneficial, it's important not to block airbricks, extractor fans or trickle vents.
"Good ventilation helps prevent condensation and damp, which can become bigger problems during the colder months."
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Pensioners earning over £35,000 face Winter Fuel Payment warning
Pensioners with an individual annual income above £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment reclaimed by HMRC through the tax system, in a £300 Winter Fuel Payment warning that HMRC can take money back through their tax code
The threshold applies to individuals rather than combined household income, meaning one person in a couple could have to repay their payment while their partner keeps theirs.
HMRC will usually recover the money by adjusting the person's tax code, meaning additional tax will be deducted from their pension, salary or wages. Those who complete a Self Assessment tax return will instead repay the amount through their tax bill.
Gordon said: "The Winter Fuel Payment can help ease some of the pressure that comes with higher heating bills, but making your home as energy efficient as possible is just as important.
"Small changes, such as tackling draughts, making better use of curtains and checking your heating controls, can all help you get more from the energy you're paying for.
"With winter approaching, now is a good time to check your home, identify where heat might be escaping and make a few improvements before the coldest weather arrives."
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