DWP publishes easy read guides on Winter Fuel Payment, including how to opt out

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published updated easy read materials on Winter Fuel Payment on 2 November 2026. The guide "An introduction to Winter Fuel Payment" was updated and a new one, "Opting out of Winter Fuel Payment", was added. Both documents are available in English and Welsh.

What easy read is

Easy read is a simple way of presenting information: short sentences and a clear layout. According to the DWP, it is designed for people with learning disabilities. Each of the two guides is an 11-page PDF.

The guides explain:

• what Winter Fuel Payment is and who can get it,
• how much you can receive,
• how to opt out and tell the DWP,
• how to opt back in and say you want the payment again.

People who do not need an easy read version can use the standard description of the payment on GOV.UK.

Key rules for winter 2026 to 2027

The main GOV.UK page says that people born on or before 27 June 1960 could get between £100 and £300 towards heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. Most eligible people are paid automatically. They receive a letter in October or November saying how much they will get. Most payments are due in November or December 2026.

If a person's total income is over £35,000, HMRC takes the payment back. A partner's income does not count.

The easy read page applies to England, Northern Ireland and Wales. People in Scotland cannot get Winter Fuel Payment. They may be able to claim Pension Age Winter Heating payment, which is covered by mygov.scot.

What this means for you

The information concerns older people in the UK who meet the conditions, and their families, who may help with paperwork. The easy read guides may help people with learning disabilities. The full eligibility rules are in the "Eligibility" section on GOV.UK. We did not check the detailed criteria on residence and immigration status for this article.

The DWP also warns about scams. Messages pretending to be from the government and asking for personal details, such as bank details or passwords, may be an attempt at fraud. Suspicious messages can be reported through GOV.UK.

Other help

GOV.UK also lists other help with heating bills. Cold Weather Payment is available if you meet the benefit conditions and the temperature is 0°C or below for 7 days in a row. The Warm Home Discount is a £150 discount for people receiving Pension Credit or living in a low-income household. Your local council may also help, if you meet local criteria.