Overview

• Most people born before 22 September 1959 will receive £100–£300 automatically in November or December, with DWP letters going out in October and November confirming amounts.
• Postal claims opened on 15 September, phone claims open from 13 October via the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, and applications close on 31 March 2026 for this winter.
• Pensioners with individual taxable income over £35,000 will have some or all of the payment reclaimed through PAYE tax-code changes from April 2026 or via Self Assessment, with around two million potentially affected.
• HMRC plans a two‑payment collection in 2027 to recover 2026 overpayments and take an advance for 2027, which could mean deductions of up to £600 across that tax year before returning to normal levels.
• Scotland runs a separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment of £101.70, £203.40 or £305.10 paid automatically from November, with an online opt‑out closing 10 October and care‑home eligibility rules aligned to qualifying week guidance.