Some people may need to contact the DWP
This month, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could be sending a £200 payment to millions of Brits. The money should automatically appear in bank accounts, with most eligible recipients having already received theirs in November or December.
If you’re still waiting for your cash, the DWP advises getting in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre after January 28. You’re eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959, and live in England or Wales.
The financial support is worth £200 for most pensioners, but those born before September 22, 1945, will receive £300. If you live in a care home you’ll receive £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945, or £100 if you were born between this date and September 21, 1959.
Last year, around 1.3m Winter Fuel Payments were delivered. However, this figure will be significantly higher this year due to changes in eligibility. On July 29, 2024, the government announced that only those receiving Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits would qualify.
However, the government confirmed in June 2025 that all pensioners in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment moving forward. If your income is higher than this threshold HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either changing your tax code or adding the amount to your 2025/26 Self Assessment tax return.
You can reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by post or phone. Be prepared to provide personal details including your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance Number.
For those in the UK, you can ring 0800 731 0160, while if you’re abroad, you can dial +44 (0)191 218 7777. The lines are typically open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Alternatively, you can pop a letter in the post addressed to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at the following address: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
