Pensioners across the UK are being urged to check their bank accounts as an important government payment deadline approaches. The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that eligible households should have received their Winter Fuel Payment by late January 2026. Those who have not yet received the money may need to take action quickly to avoid missing out.
The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off seasonal payment designed to help older people cope with higher heating bills during the coldest months of the year. Depending on personal circumstances, payments range from £100 to £300.
Winter Fuel Payment Reminder for Pensioners
The DWP has stated that most of the nine million eligible pensioner households across the UK received their payment automatically before the end of December 2025. In some cases, payments continued into January 2026, especially where recent changes to circumstances were reported.
For pensioners living in Scotland, the payment is delivered separately through Social Security Scotland under the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment scheme. These payments were also expected to arrive before the start of the new year.
If the payment has not been received by 28 January 2026, pensioners are advised not to ignore the issue.
What to Do If Your Payment Has Not Arrived
According to official guidance, anyone who has not received a letter or payment by 28 January 2026 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre without delay. In some situations, a claim may need to be made before the money can be issued.
Pensioners should first check their bank statements carefully. The Winter Fuel Payment is paid into the same account as the State Pension or other benefits. The reference usually includes the individual’s National Insurance number followed by DWP WFP.
If no payment appears, the DWP helpline can be contacted on 0800 731 0160 for further advice.
Who Is Eligible for the 2025 to 2026 Payment
To qualify automatically for the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2025 to 2026, individuals must have been born before 22 September 1959 and have an annual income of £35,000 or less.
Income levels are important. Pensioners with income above £35,000 may still receive the payment initially, but HMRC will reclaim it later through PAYE or Self Assessment.
Eligibility also depends on receiving certain benefits. Pensioners usually do not need to make a claim if they receive support such as the State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, income-related ESA, income-based JSA, or benefits linked to war pensions or industrial injuries.
Pensioners Who May Need to Submit a Claim
Not everyone receives the Winter Fuel Payment automatically. A claim must be made if the individual has never received a Winter Fuel Payment before or if they have deferred their State Pension since the last time they were paid.
If neither of these situations applies and qualifying benefits are already in place, the payment should be issued automatically without the need for further action.
How to Claim the Winter Fuel Payment
There are only two ways to submit a Winter Fuel Payment claim. Applications can be made by post using the official claim form or by telephone through the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Online applications are not available. All guidance and claim forms can be found on the official GOV.UK website, and help is available for those who need assistance completing the process.
Final Deadline to Claim
The final deadline to submit a claim for the 2025 to 2026 Winter Fuel Payment is 31 March 2026. Claims received after this date will not be accepted, and eligible pensioners could lose the payment entirely.
With energy costs still placing pressure on household budgets, pensioners are strongly encouraged to check their statements, confirm eligibility, and act quickly if a claim is required. The Winter Fuel Payment remains an important source of support for older people during the colder months.