The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the dates for Winter Fuel Payment and who can receive up to £300 to help with heating bills in the colder months.
To qualify, you must have been born on or before June 27, 1960. The amount depends on your age and circumstances during Qualifying Week, which runs from September 21 to 27, 2026. After this week, applicants must wait for a letter in the post.
Payment dates and how to claim
The DWP usually aims to send payments in November and December. If you do not receive a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 27, 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The deadline to claim for winter 2026 to 2027 is March 31, 2027.
Any money received will not affect your other benefits. If you already receive State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, or Industrial Death Benefit, you will get the payment automatically.
Who needs to claim manually
If you do not receive any of those benefits, you need to claim if you have not received the Winter Fuel Payment before or if you have deferred your State Pension since your last payment.
To make a claim, call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline at 0800 731 0160 or write to Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
