The Department for Work and Pensions is sending bonus payments automatically to state pensioners who were born before 1960 this winter. The DWP has confirmed that the £300 Winter Fuel Payment is being brought back.
State pensioners will be eligible for payments this year if they were born before 27 June 1960 and live in England or Wales. People aged between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 will get £200.
Older state pensioners who were born before 28 September 1946 will get £300 according to the DWP. You must be claiming State Pension or Pension Credit or Universal Credit to receive the payment automatically.
Other benefits that make you eligible for an automatic payment include Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
Payments also go out automatically to people who receive Disability Living Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance or awards from the War Pensions Scheme according to Birmingham Live.
You do not need to submit a claim if you are receiving Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or Incapacity Benefit or Industrial Death Benefit.
The DWP has stated that most payments are processed automatically during November or December. You will receive a letter that explains the payment amount and identifies which bank account will receive the funds. This account is typically the same one used for your State Pension or other benefits.
If you have not received a letter or if the money has not appeared in your account by 27 January 2027 you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The restoration of the pensioners’ allowance follows a significant policy reversal by the Labour government.
The DWP and Labour also issued the payments last winter after facing considerable criticism in 2024 regarding the introduction of means testing.
The DWP has now announced the rates as the 2026/27 tax year begins.
