Over nine million people should have received the automatic payment worth up to £300 to help with energy bills
Many people who were anticipating the Winter Fuel Payment in the lead-up to Christmas may have noticed that it has yet to appear in their bank accounts. Households nationwide should have already received correspondence from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regarding this payment.
These letters would have confirmed a household’s eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment and the amount they were entitled to. According to DWP statistics, over nine million people born before 22 September 1959 should receive between £100 and £300 from the Winter Fuel Payment.
This one-off payment is intended to offset higher energy costs, as many households can expect their heating bills to rise during the chillier months. Letters should have been dispatched in October and November to inform pensioners of the payment, but not everyone who is eligible may receive the payment.
What if I haven’t received the Winter Fuel Payment yet?
The DWP has emphasised that letters will be sent out to eligible claimants throughout the winter season. However, its guidance also indicates that if someone hasn’t received a letter or a Winter Fuel Payment by 28 January 2026, they should get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
When getting in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, you’ll need to provide your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance Number where relevant, so they can assist with your enquiry. You can reach the Centre by calling 0800 731 0160, submitting an online email enquiry, or posting a letter to the following address:.
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR
Winter Fuel Payment eligibility
You’re eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and reside in England or Wales. The government stated: “The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 15 and 21, 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.”
When you will not be entitled
You will not be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if you:
- Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- Live outside England and Wales
- Were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
- Were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
