The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a change to how people can claim the Winter Fuel Payment, with phone claims now accepted for the first time. Previously, claims could only be made by post. The payment ranges from £100 to £300 for eligible groups.
To receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you must be born on or before June 27, 1960. The DWP set out eligibility for the 2026 payment during qualifying week in September, which ran from September 21 to September 27.
Who receives payment automatically?
Most people receive the payment automatically if they are eligible. You do not need to claim if you get any of the following: 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.
If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following applies: you have not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or you have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
How to claim by phone or post
If you are not eligible to receive payment automatically, there are two ways to claim. You can now claim by phone by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160. Before you call, you will need your National Insurance number, the date you were married or entered into a civil partnership (if appropriate), and your bank or building society details.
You will also need to say whether during the qualifying week of September 21 to 27, 2026, you were in hospital getting free in-patient treatment, in a residential care home or Ilford Park Resettlement Home, or in prison.
Alternatively, you can claim by post by filling in a Winter Fuel Payment claim form and sending it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
Eligibility and payment timing
If you are eligible, you will get a letter in the post telling you how much you will receive. Most payments are made automatically in November or December. The amount you receive is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 21 to 27, 2026, referred to as Qualifying Week. You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home.
If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 27, 2027, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
