The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is distributing payments worth up to £300, with a crucial deadline rapidly approaching. Whilst the majority received their payment automatically between November and December 2025, some may have been overlooked and will need to make contact to establish what has occurred.

For 2026, the Winter Fuel Payment deadline falls on January 28, meaning if you believe you qualify but haven’t received the funds within the next few days, you ought to get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, which is run by the UK Government. This cut-off date only applies to those who were anticipating the payment but haven’t seen it arrive in their account; a separate deadline exists for those who must lodge claims when receiving the Winter Fuel Payment for the first time.

In the latter case, the deadline is March 31. You can reach the Winter Fuel Payment Centre via telephone or post, though you’ll generally need your National Insurance number, banking information and the date of your marriage or civil partnership (where relevant) to hand before making contact.

However, if you remain unsure about your eligibility, look no further. The Express has outlined the eligibility requirements for the Winter Fuel Payment and included information on the possible sum you might be entitled to claim.

Who qualifies for the Winter Fuel Payment?

People born before September 22, 1959, and residing in England or Wales typically qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. The sum you receive depends on your circumstances during the ‘qualifying week’ between September 15 and 21, 2025.

The amount may vary depending on other benefits you’re claiming, such as Pension Credit, Income Support, and similar entitlements. However, as a general rule, if you’re living alone or nobody else in your household qualifies for the payment, you could be entitled to either:

• £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

Alternatively, if you and a partner are making a joint claim for Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Income Support, you may be eligible for:

• £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

Online advice from GOV.UK adds: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible. If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.

“The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 and 21 September 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.”

As mentioned earlier, the majority of eligible recipients should have received their Winter Fuel Payment by November or December 2025. Should you have been anticipating the payment but it hasn’t appeared in your account, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before January 28.

It’s crucial to understand that this deadline differs from the one for submitting a claim, which applies only in certain situations.

Who is typically required to claim the payment?

While the Winter Fuel Payment is generally issued automatically, there are exceptions. The Government indicates that those who usually need to make a claim include individuals who have not previously received the Winter Fuel Payment and those who have deferred their State Pension since their last Winter Fuel Payment.

• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Awards from the War Pensions Scheme
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit
• Industrial Death Benefit
• State Pension
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer’s Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

To claim the Winter Fuel Payment, you can fill out a form and post it to the address provided: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR. Alternatively, you may ring the centre on 0800 731 0160.

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, contact Relay UK by dialling 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160. For more information, visit GOV.UK here.

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