The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened telephone claims for Winter Fuel Payment, allowing eligible pensioners to apply for financial support worth up to £300 towards their heating bills this winter.
The latest guidance on GOV.UK confirms that claims by telephone opened on Monday, October 19, while postal applications have been available since September 21. Pensioners who need to make a claim have until March 31, 2027 to apply.
Most eligible people will receive the payment automatically, but some older households who do not receive the State Pension or certain other benefits may need to submit a claim.
Who is eligible for Winter Fuel Payment?
You may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before June 27, 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Eligibility is based on your circumstances during the qualifying week of September 21 to 27, 2026.
Some people may not qualify, including those who were in prison throughout the qualifying week or who were receiving free hospital treatment for the qualifying week and the preceding year. Different rules can also apply to people living in care homes.
The payment is available to eligible people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. People living in Scotland receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead, which is administered by Social Security Scotland and is worth between £105.55 and £316.70.
Who needs to make a claim?
Most eligible pensioners will receive Winter Fuel Payment automatically and do not need to apply. This includes people receiving the State Pension, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Universal Credit, Carer's Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Automatic payments also apply to recipients of certain other benefits, including income-related Employment and Support Allowance and awards from the War Pensions Scheme.
However, people who do not receive any of the qualifying benefits may need to claim if they have never received Winter Fuel Payment before or have deferred their State Pension since their last payment.
How to claim Winter Fuel Payment by phone
Pensioners can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160, Monday to Friday, between 8am and 6pm. Before calling, applicants should have their National Insurance number, bank or building society account details, and date of marriage or civil partnership where applicable.
Applicants will also need to confirm whether they were in hospital receiving free inpatient treatment, living in a residential care home or in prison during the qualifying week. Postal claims can also be made using the Winter Fuel Payment application form. The deadline for both types of claim is March 31, 2027.
Winter Fuel Payment rates for 2026/27
The amount someone receives depends on their date of birth and household circumstances during the qualifying week. If you live alone or nobody else in your household is eligible, those born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 receive £200, while those born before September 28, 1946 receive £300.
If you live with another eligible person and neither receives Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA, both born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 receive £100 each; one born before September 28, 1946 and the other born between those dates receive £200 for the older person and £100 for the younger person; and both born before September 28, 1946 receive £150 each.
If you and your partner jointly claim Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related ESA, both born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 receive one payment of £200, while one or both born before September 28, 1946 receive one payment of £300. Eligible people living in care homes may receive £100 or £150 depending on their age.
When will payments be made?
Most eligible pensioners will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November or December. The DWP is sending letters during October and November confirming the amount people will receive and which bank account the money will be paid into.
Anyone who has not received a letter or payment by January 27, 2027 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. People with individual annual incomes above £35,000 will have their payment recovered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), either through their tax code or Self Assessment. Their partner's income does not count towards the threshold.
Pensioners living in Scotland are not eligible for the DWP Winter Fuel Payment because it has been replaced by Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. Social Security Scotland will pay eligible people between £105.55 and £316.70, depending on their age and household circumstances. Most eligible pensioners will receive the payment automatically, with award letters being issued from November and payments continuing throughout winter.
People can check eligibility and whether they need to apply on MYGOV.SCOT. Anyone who believes they qualify but has not received a payment by the start of March 2027 should contact Social Security Scotland.
