Pensioners are receiving a one-week reminder from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding the Winter Fuel Payment, which is expected to be paid to all eligible individuals by January 28. The DWP has confirmed that the majority of the nine million pensioner households entitled to the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment should have already received the one-off payment of £100, £200, or £300 by the end of December. In Scotland, individuals over 66 should have also received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland before the new year.
If pensioners have not received the payment by January 28, they are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, as a claim may be required. The payment will be deposited into bank accounts where State Pension or benefits are typically received, with the payment reference starting with the National Insurance number followed by “DWP WFP.”
To ensure eligibility, pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income at or below £35,000 will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment. However, there are specific categories of individuals who may need to claim the payment by post or telephone before March 31, 2026, as per UK Government guidelines.
Most eligible individuals should receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they qualified during the designated week between September 15 and 21, 2025. Claims for the Winter Fuel Payment for the winter 2025 to 2026 period must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Detailed instructions on how to make a claim can be found on the GOV.UK website.
For those not receiving certain benefits, it is necessary to make a claim if specific conditions apply. The Winter Fuel Payment claim can be lodged through various channels.