The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial deadline for millions of pensioners awaiting a vital cash boost to help with heating costs. Officials have confirmed that the vast majority of the nine million eligible households should have received their Winter Fuel Payment for 2025/26 by the end of December. However, they have now set a final date for any outstanding payments to arrive.
Key Date to Check Your Bank Account
If you believe you are eligible but have not yet received your payment, the DWP advises you to check your usual bank account – where your State Pension or benefits are paid – by January 28, 2026. The payment should be marked with a specific reference code: your National Insurance number followed by 'DWP WFP'.
If the money has not arrived by this date, or if you did not receive an eligibility letter, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The contact number is 0800 731 0160. It is essential to check your statement for the reference code before calling.
Who Needs to Make a Claim?
Most eligible pensioners receive the payment automatically, particularly if they are already claiming benefits such as the State Pension, Pension Credit, or Attendance Allowance. However, the DWP has identified two key groups who may need to actively submit a claim this year.
You will likely need to claim if:
- You have not received a Winter Fuel Payment before.
- You have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
Any claim must be submitted by post or telephone before the final deadline of March 31, 2026. Full details on how to claim are available on the official GOV.UK website.
Payment Amounts and Eligibility Rules
The amount you receive depends on your age during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025, and your living circumstances. Payments range from £100 to £300.
To qualify automatically, you must have been born before September 22, 1959, live in England or Wales, and have an income at or below £35,000. Those with an income above £35,000 will have the payment reclaimed via tax.
For those living alone, typical payments are:
- £200 if born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959.
- £300 if born before September 22, 1945.
Different amounts apply for those living with other eligible people or in care homes. It is important to note that residents of Scotland receive a separate Pension Age Winter Heating Payment and are not eligible for this DWP scheme.
Beware of Scams and Next Steps
The DWP has warned pensioners to be vigilant against fraudsters. The department will never send text messages with links about the Winter Fuel Payment. Any such message should be deleted immediately.
If you meet the criteria but have not received your payment by January 28, take action by contacting the official helpline. With the final claim deadline of March 31 approaching, ensuring you have received what you are entitled to is essential for managing winter energy bills.
