An impending deadline looms for individuals who are yet to receive their Winter Fuel Payment.
The Winter Fuel Payment, valued up to £300, is disbursed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to individuals above the state pension age. Those earning more than £35,000 annually are required to reimburse it through the tax system.
While most recipients typically receive their Winter Fuel Payment in November or December, if you have not received it by January 28, 2026, you are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
To reach the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, individuals can either call the helpline at 0800 731 0160 or send a letter via post to the address: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
According to information on GOV.UK, payments are usually automated in November or December, accompanied by a notification detailing the payment amount and designated bank account. If payment has not been received by January 28, 2026, contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre is recommended.
Winter Fuel Payments are dispersed to individuals born before September 22, 1959, who automatically receive payments if they claimed specific benefits during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025.
For those not claiming the aforementioned benefits, applications for the Winter Fuel Payment must be made to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by March 31, 2026. Ineligibility includes being hospitalized for the entirety of the qualifying week and the previous year or being incarcerated during the qualifying week. Additionally, residing in a care home from June 23, 2025, onwards while claiming certain benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit also disqualifies individuals.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been substituted with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, valued between £101.70 and £305.10.