An approaching deadline is looming for individuals who have not yet received their Winter Fuel Payment, which is a benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) worth up to £300 for those over state pension age. If your annual income exceeds £35,000, you will be required to repay this payment through the tax system.
While most people typically receive their Winter Fuel Payment in November or December, if you have not received it by January 28, 2026, you can reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre for assistance. You can contact them via phone at 0800 731 0160 or through mail at Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
If you have not received a letter or the payment by the specified date, it is advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre promptly. The eligibility criteria for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment include being born before September 22, 1959, and having claimed specific benefits during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025.
For those who did not claim the aforementioned benefits, the deadline to make a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment is March 31, 2026. Certain exclusions apply, such as being in hospital for the entire qualifying week or being incarcerated during that period. Living in a care home since June 23, 2025, or earlier and claiming certain benefits like Universal Credit and Pension Credit also make individuals ineligible for the payment.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, ranging from £101.70 to £305.10.