The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial one-week reminder to millions of pensioners across the UK regarding the Winter Fuel Payment. Eligible individuals should have received this one-off financial support to help with heating costs by now, but there is a final window to act if the funds have not arrived.
Key Dates and Payment Details
Official guidance states that the Winter Fuel Payment for the 2025/26 period should have been paid into accounts by January 28, 2026. The DWP confirmed that the majority of the nine million eligible pensioner households should have received their payment of £100, £200, or £300 by the end of December 2025.
For those in Scotland aged over 66, the equivalent Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland should also have been issued before the new year. Payments are made automatically into the bank account where the State Pension or benefits are usually paid.
The payment reference on bank statements will start with the recipient's National Insurance number, followed by "DWP WFP". Pensioners are strongly advised to check their statements carefully for this code before taking further action.
Who Needs to Make a Claim?
Most eligible people receive the payment automatically. You will not need to claim if you received any of a range of benefits during the qualifying week of 15-21 September 2025. These benefits include State Pension, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, and Universal Credit, among others listed in the original guidance.
However, you will need to make a claim by the final deadline of 31 March 2026 if either of the following applies: you have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before, or you have deferred your State Pension since your last payment.
How to Contact the DWP
If the payment has not been received by January 28, the DWP instructs pensioners to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The number to call is 0800 731 0160. Claims can only be made by post or telephone, not online. Full instructions are available on the GOV.UK website.
It is vital to remember that automatic payments are only issued to pensioners born before 22 September 1959 with an income at or below £35,000. Those outside these criteria may need to proactively claim the support.
