State pensioners born before June 1960 will receive automatic Winter Fuel Payments of £200 or £300 from the DWP this winter in England and WalesJames Rodger Content Editor and John Rogan Audience Engagement Editor
18:06, 12 Apr 2026
DWP sending automatic bonus payments to state pensioners born before 1960
The Department for Work and Pensions is automatically issuing bonus payments to state pensioners born before 1960 this winter. The DWP has confirmed the reinstatement of the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
State pensioners will qualify for this year’s payments if they were born before 27 June 1960 and reside in England or Wales. Those aged between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960 will receive £200.
Older state pensioners born before 28 September 1946 will receive £300, the DWP has confirmed. To receive the payment automatically, you must be claiming State Pension, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit.
Other benefits that entitle you to an automatic payment include Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Carer’s Allowance.
Payments are also made automatically to those in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or awards from the War Pensions Scheme, reports Birmingham Live.
There is also no need to make a claim if you receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, or Industrial Death Benefit.
The DWP said: “Most payments are made automatically in November or December. You should get a letter telling you how much you’ll get and which bank account it will be paid into – this is usually the same account as your State Pension or other benefits.
“If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 27 January 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.” The reinstatement of the pensioners’ allowance comes after a dramatic U-turn by the Labour government.
The DWP and Labour also made the payments last winter, following a significant backlash in 2024 over the decision to introduce means testing.
The DWP has now confirmed the rates as the 2026/27 tax year gets under way.