An impending deadline looms for individuals who have yet to receive their Winter Fuel Payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment, valued up to £300, is disbursed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to individuals above the state pension age. Those earning over £35,000 annually will be required to reimburse it through the tax system.
While the majority typically receive their Winter Fuel Payment in November or December, if by January 28, 2026, you have not received it, you can reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
You have the option to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre helpline or send a letter by post. The helpline number is 0800 731 0160, or 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160 for Relay UK. The postal address is: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
According to information on GOV.UK, most payments are automatically processed in November or December. You should receive a letter specifying the payment amount and the bank account into which it will be deposited.
If you do not receive a letter or the payment by January 28, 2026, it is advisable to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. Payments are made to individuals born before September 22, 1959, who claimed specific benefits during the qualifying week from September 15 to 21, 2025.
If you did not claim the mentioned benefits, you can apply for the Winter Fuel Payment by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre via post or phone before March 31, 2026. Certain eligibility criteria apply, such as not being in hospital for the entire qualifying week or being in prison during that time.
Additionally, individuals living in care homes from June 23, 2025, onwards and claiming specific benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, are ineligible for the payment.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been substituted with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, ranging from £101.70 to £305.10.