Pensioners have received a one-week reminder regarding the Winter Fuel Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The payment, which should be distributed to all eligible individuals by January 28, has already been issued to the majority of the nine million eligible pensioner households for the 2025/26 period. The one-off payment amounts to £100, £200, or £300 and should have been received before the end of December.
Those aged over 66 in Scotland should have also received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland before the new year. However, if pensioners have not received the payment by January 28, they are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre as a claim may be necessary.
The funds from the DWP will be deposited into bank accounts where State Pension or benefits are typically received. The payment reference will start with the National Insurance number followed by “DWP WFP.” To verify the payment, pensioners should check their bank statements for this reference code before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160.
Only pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income at or below £35,000 will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP. The UK Government has outlined specific categories of individuals who may need to make a claim for the payment, which must be done by post or telephone before March 31, 2026.
The DWP has confirmed that most eligible individuals will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualified during the week of September 15-21, 2025. Those already receiving certain benefits do not need to make a claim, but others must follow the instructions provided on the GOV.UK website to claim the payment before the deadline of March 31, 2026.