DWP Issues Final Reminder for Pensioners to Claim Winter Fuel Payments
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an urgent reminder to eligible pensioners that they have less than one week remaining to claim Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300. The deadline for submitting claims for the 2025/26 winter period is March 31, 2026, with applications only accepted by post or telephone.
Who Needs to Claim and Who Receives Payments Automatically
The DWP confirmed that the majority of the nine million pensioner households entitled to Winter Fuel Payments received their automatic payments before January 28, 2026. These payments ranged from £100 to £300 depending on individual circumstances and birth dates. Additionally, nearly 90,000 individuals aged over 66 in Scotland should have received their equivalent Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland by the end of February.
However, government guidance identifies two specific groups of pensioners who may need to actively claim their payments:
- Those who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before
- Those who have deferred their State Pension since their last Winter Fuel Payment
Pensioners born before September 22, 1959 with an income at or below £35,000 should have received automatic payments. Those who did not receive either a notification letter or funds in their bank accounts by January 28 are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Automatic Payment Eligibility and Payment Details
Most eligible individuals receive Winter Fuel Payments automatically if they were receiving certain benefits during the qualifying week of September 15-21, 2025. No claim is necessary for those receiving:
- State Pension or Pension Credit
- Universal Credit or Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Various war pension or industrial injury benefits
Payments are deposited into the same bank accounts where State Pension or benefits are normally received, with payment references beginning with the recipient's National Insurance number followed by 'DWP WFP.' Pensioners are urged to carefully check their bank statements for this reference before contacting authorities.
Payment Amounts and Special Circumstances
The amount received depends on birth dates and living circumstances during the qualifying week. For those living alone or with no other eligible individuals:
- £200 for those born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 for those born before September 22, 1945
Different payment structures apply for those living with other eligible individuals, those receiving certain benefits, and care home residents. Those with incomes exceeding £35,000 will have their entire Winter Fuel Payment reclaimed through tax systems.
Eligibility Requirements and Exclusions
Winter Fuel Payments are available to individuals born before September 22, 1959 who live in England or Wales. Residents of Scotland receive separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payments. Exclusions apply to those:
- Living outside England and Wales
- Hospitalized for free treatment throughout the qualifying week and preceding year
- With UK entry permissions prohibiting public fund claims
- In prison throughout the qualifying week
Care home residents remain eligible unless they receive specific benefits and have lived in care homes continuously since June 23, 2025 or earlier.
How to Claim Before the Deadline
Eligible pensioners who need to claim must do so by March 31, 2026 through either postal applications or telephone calls to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160. The DWP emphasizes that these are the only accepted methods for late claims. Full claim details and required documentation are available on the official GOV.UK website.
The Winter Fuel Payment program is designed to help older individuals manage energy costs during colder months. With the final deadline approaching, the DWP urges all potentially eligible pensioners to verify their payment status and submit any necessary claims promptly to avoid missing out on this financial support.
