Pensioners have received a one-week notice regarding a winter payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Winter Fuel Payment, which should be disbursed to all eligible recipients by January 28, has been confirmed by the DWP for most of the nine million pensioner households entitled to receive £100, £200, or £300 as a one-time sum for the 2025/26 period. 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, they are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre as they may need to make a claim. Funds are expected to 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 check their bank statements for this reference code before reaching out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160. It’s 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’s online guidance outlines specific categories of individuals who may need to claim the Winter Fuel Payment, emphasizing that claims must be submitted by post or telephone before March 31, 2026. The DWP assures that most eligible individuals will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualified during the designated week from September 15 to 21, 2025.
If recipients are already receiving certain benefits, no claim is necessary. However, those not receiving these benefits must make a claim if they meet specific conditions. Claims for the Winter Fuel Payment for the 2025 to 2026 winter period must be submitted by March 31, 2026. Detailed instructions for making a claim via post or phone can be found on the GOV.UK website.