The Winter Fuel Payment, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is on track to be distributed to eligible recipients soon. The DWP has recently updated its application guidelines for the benefit and released a form for individuals who qualify but need to manually apply for the Winter Fuel Payment.
This payment, aimed at assisting with the increasing costs of energy bills, will offer financial support to over nine million pensioners during the winter season. While the majority of eligible individuals in England and Wales will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment, some may need to submit a claim, which can now be done starting this week.
Recipients of certain benefits will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically without the need for a claim. However, if you do not receive these benefits, you must make a claim if specific criteria apply to you. Claiming can be done either by post by completing the form available on GOV.UK and sending it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre from September 15 or by phone starting from October 13 by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160. Ensure you have your National Insurance number, bank details, and marriage or civil partnership date if applicable when making a phone claim.
The deadline for submitting a claim is March 31, 2026. The payment amount is determined based on circumstances between September 15 and September 21 of the current year, as well as your date of birth.