An imminent deadline is approaching for individuals who have not yet received their Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payment, valued at up to £300, is disbursed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to individuals over the state pension age. Those earning above £35,000 annually are required to repay the payment through the tax system.
While most recipients typically receive their Winter Fuel Payment in November or December, those who have not received it by January 28, 2026, can reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre for assistance. Contact can be made via the Winter Fuel Payment Centre helpline at 0800 731 0160 or 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160 for Relay UK. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent by post to Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
According to GOV.UK, payments are typically automated in November or December. Recipients should expect a notification detailing the payment amount and the designated bank account, usually the same account as their state pension or other benefits. If no notification is received or the payment is not deposited by January 28, 2026, individuals are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Winter Fuel Payments are issued to individuals born before September 22, 1959, who automatically received payment if they claimed specific benefits during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025. Those not receiving these benefits must apply for the Winter Fuel Payment by post or phone before March 31, 2026. Exclusions apply for individuals in hospital for the entire qualifying week and the preceding year, incarcerated during the qualifying week, or residing in a care facility continuously from June 23, 2025, and receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been substituted with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, ranging from £101.70 to £305.10.