Urgent DWP Reminder: Two Pensioner Groups Must Claim £300 Winter Fuel Payment Before March Deadline
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent warning to two specific groups of pensioners who may need to claim Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300. The critical deadline for submissions is March 31, 2026, with just over a month remaining for eligible individuals to take action.
Automatic Payments Already Distributed
The DWP recently confirmed that the majority of the nine million pensioner households entitled to the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment received their lump sums automatically. These payments, which range from £100 to £300, were distributed before the automatic payment deadline of January 28, 2026. Most people over the age of 66 in Scotland should have also received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland by this point, although these payments will continue through the end of February.
Who Needs to Claim?
According to online guidance highlighted by the Daily Record, two particular groups of pensioners may need to proactively claim their Winter Fuel Payment. It is crucial to note that claims can only be made by post or telephone before the March 31 deadline.
Only pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income at or below £35,000, should have received an automatic Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP. The DWP guidance explicitly states that if pensioners "do not get a letter" or the "money has not been paid into your account by 28 January 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre" as a claim may be necessary.
Pensioners are strongly encouraged to thoroughly check their bank statements for the payment reference, which begins with their National Insurance number followed by 'DWP WFP', before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Check Your Eligibility and Claim Requirements
The DWP has clarified that most people would receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they were eligible during the qualifying week, which took place between September 15 and 21, 2025. You do not need to claim if you receive any of the following benefits:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Awards from the War Pensions Scheme
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
However, you need to claim if either of the following apply:
- You have not had the Winter Fuel Payment before.
- You have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
How to Claim and Payment Details
Claims for Winter Fuel Payment must be made by post or phone before the March 31, 2026 deadline. Full details on the claiming process are available on GOV.UK.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments requires that you were born before September 22, 1959, and live in England or Wales. Note that people in Scotland will receive the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead, and you will not be eligible if you live outside England and Wales, were in hospital getting free treatment for the entire qualifying week, need permission to enter the UK with restrictions on claiming public funds, or were in prison for the whole of the qualifying week.
The amount you receive is based on your date of birth and circumstances during the qualifying week. Payments do not affect other benefits. For those living alone or with no other eligible person, payments are £200 if born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959, or £300 if born before September 22, 1945. Different rates apply for those living with other eligible individuals or receiving certain benefits, with specific amounts detailed in DWP guidelines.
If you live in a care home, you may still be eligible, but not if you receive certain benefits and have lived in a care home since June 23, 2025, or earlier. Eligible care home residents receive £100 if born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959, or £150 if born before September 22, 1945.
Important Note: If your income exceeds £35,000, HMRC will reclaim the entire Winter Fuel Payment through PAYE or your Self Assessment tax return next year.
Pensioners are urged to act promptly to ensure they receive this vital support for heating costs during the colder months.
