The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that automatic Winter Fuel Payments will stop being issued after January 28. Eligible pensioners who have not received their payment by this date are urged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to make a claim.
Most of the nine million eligible pensioner households should have received sums of £100, £200 or £300 by the end of December. The payment is made automatically to those born before September 22, 1959, with an income at or below £35,000 a year.
Pensioners are advised to check their bank statements for a payment reference beginning with their National Insurance number followed by 'DWP WFP'. If the payment has not arrived by January 28, they should call 0800 731 0160.
For those not receiving certain benefits, a claim can be made by post or telephone until March 31, 2026. Full details are available on the GOV.UK website.
The DWP has also warned of scams where fraudsters send texts asking recipients to click a link to claim. These messages are not official and should be deleted immediately.
