Pensioners who need to claim this year's Winter Fuel Payment will be able to do so over the phone from Monday, October 19. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that telephone applications for the 2026/27 payment will open next week, giving eligible older people another way to claim help with their heating bills.
Payment worth up to £300
The payment is worth between £100 and £300, depending on a person's age and circumstances, and is intended to help pensioners cover their energy costs during the colder months.
Most people who qualify will receive the money automatically, meaning they won't need to fill out any forms or contact the DWP. However, some pensioners will need to make a claim themselves.
Who needs to claim
According to GOV.UK, this includes people who have never received a Winter Fuel Payment before and do not get certain benefits, as well as those who have deferred their State Pension since their last payment.
People already receiving the State Pension, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment are among those who generally do not need to apply.
Eligibility and how to apply
To qualify for this winter's payment, a person must have been born on or before June 27, 1960, and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Their circumstances during the qualifying week of September 21 to 27, 2026, will also be taken into account.
Pensioners can already submit postal applications, with that service having opened on September 21. Those who would rather apply by telephone can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 from Monday. The deadline for claims covering winter 2026/27 is March 31, 2027.
There is also an income rule to be aware of. People whose total annual income exceeds £35,000 will generally have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered by HM Revenue and Customs through the tax system.
Most eligible pensioners can expect a letter in October or November explaining how much they will receive. Payments are normally made directly into bank accounts during November or December. Anyone who has not received their payment or a letter by January 27, 2027, is advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
