People who weren’t receiving 14 key benefits during qualifying week may need to make a claim
The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual, tax-free benefit intended to help eligible older people with heating costs during the winter. Whilst it’s typically paid automatically, certain people may need to submit a claim by a particular deadline each year.
For 2026, that deadline falls on March 31, giving you around 60 days to get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, which is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Contact can be made by 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.
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, we’ve outlined the key criteria and potential payment amounts below.
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility
People born before September 22, 1959, who live in England or Wales are typically entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment. The sum you’re entitled to receive is determined by your situation during the ‘qualifying week’, which ran from September 15 to 21, 2025.
This can differ based on other benefits you’re claiming, including Pension Credit, Income Support, and similar entitlements. Generally speaking, if you’re living by yourself or nobody else in your household qualifies for the payment, you may be entitled to receive either:
- £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
- £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945
Conversely, if you and your partner claim Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support together, you may receive:
- £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
Official guidance 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.”
The majority of people who receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically should have had this paid in November or December 2025. If you anticipated receiving the payment but it hasn’t appeared in your account, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before January 28.
Bear in mind that this deadline differs from the one for submitting a claim, which is relevant in specific circumstances.
Who generally needs to submit a claim?
The Government states that individuals who normally need to apply are those who haven’t previously received the Winter Fuel Payment and those who have postponed their State Pension since their last Winter Fuel Payment.
This is relevant if you weren’t receiving any of these benefits during the qualifying week:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- 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
To claim the Winter Fuel Payment, you can fill out a claim form and post it to: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR. You can also ring the centre on 0800 731 0160.
If you’re unable to speak or hear over the telephone, get in touch with Relay UK by dialling 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160. For more information, visit GOV.UK here.
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