Pensioners have received a timely notification regarding a winter payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Winter Fuel Payment is scheduled to be disbursed to all eligible individuals by January 28.
The DWP has confirmed that a significant portion of the nine million pensioner households entitled to the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment should have already received the one-time payment of £100, £200, or £300 before the end of December. Those aged over 66 in Scotland should have also received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland before the start of the new year.
In case pensioners have not received a letter or the payment by January 28, the official DWP guidance advises contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre as a claim may be required. The funds are expected to appear in bank accounts where State Pension or benefits are typically deposited, with the payment reference starting with the National Insurance number followed by “DWP WFP.”
Pensioners are urged to carefully review their bank statements for this specific reference code before reaching out to 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 at or below £35,000, will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP.
The UK Government online guidance outlines two specific categories of individuals who may need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment, but this process must be completed by post or telephone before March 31, 2026.
The DWP has assured that most individuals will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualify during the designated week, which took place between September 15-21, 2025.
Claiming the Winter Fuel Payment can be done through various channels. The deadline for submitting a claim for the winter of 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026. Detailed instructions on how to claim by post or phone can be accessed on the GOV.UK website.