An imminent deadline is approaching for individuals who have not yet received their Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payment, valued up to £300, is distributed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to individuals above state pension age. Those earning over £35,000 annually are required to repay the payment 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. You can reach the center via phone at 0800 731 0160, or 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160 for Relay UK users. Alternatively, written correspondence can be sent to 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. If you have not received a notification letter or the payment by January 28, 2026, it is recommended to get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Winter Fuel Payments are disbursed to individuals born before September 22, 1959, who claimed specific benefits during the qualifying week of September 15 to 21, 2025. If you did not claim any of these benefits, you must apply for the Winter Fuel Payment by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre through mail or phone before March 31, 2026. Certain eligibility criteria exclude individuals hospitalized or imprisoned during the qualifying period, as well as those residing in care homes while receiving particular benefits like Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been substituted with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, ranging from £101.70 to £305.10.