An approaching deadline is looming for individuals who have not yet received their Winter Fuel Payment, which can reach up to £300 and is disbursed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to individuals above the state pension age. Those earning over £35,000 annually will be required to refund 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 do so, you can either reach out via phone at 0800 731 0160 or 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160 for Relay UK. Alternatively, you can send a letter by post to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
According to information on GOV.UK, payments are usually processed automatically in November or December, with recipients notified of the amount and the designated bank account. If no notification or payment has been received by January 28, 2026, it is recommended to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Winter Fuel Payments are being distributed to individuals born before September 22, 1959, who automatically received payments if eligible benefits were claimed during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025. Those who did not claim any of these benefits are required to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment by post or phone before March 31, 2026, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been substituted with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, ranging from £101.70 to £305.10.