Pensioners have received a seven-day reminder concerning a winter payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Winter Fuel Payment, which is due by January 28, should be distributed to all eligible individuals.
The DWP recently confirmed that the majority of the nine million pensioner households entitled to the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment should have already received a one-time payment of £100, £200, or £300 before 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 start of the new year.
However, according to official DWP guidelines, if pensioners have not received a letter or the payment by January 28, 2026, they are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre as a claim might be required. The funds 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.”
Pensioners are urged to review their bank statements for this reference code before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160. It is important to note that only pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income equal to or below £35,000, will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP.
The UK Government’s online guidance identifies two specific groups of individuals who may need to make a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment, but this can only be done by post or telephone before March 31, 2026.
The DWP has assured that most eligible individuals will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualify during the week of September 15 – 21, 2025.
If you are receiving any of the specified benefits, you do not need to make a claim. However, if you do not receive these benefits and meet certain criteria, you must make a claim.
To claim the Winter Fuel Payment, you can submit your application by post or phone. The deadline for claims for the winter of 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026. Detailed instructions on how to claim via post or phone can be found on the GOV.UK website.