Millions of state pensioners across the UK are being advised to check their bank accounts today, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) deadline for the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment has arrived. The DWP confirmed that most of the nine million eligible households should have received their payments by the end of December 2025.
However, if you haven’t seen the payment in your account by January 28, 2026, it’s time to act.
Payment
The Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free lump sum of £100, £200 or £300, depending on your circumstances. It is automatically paid to pensioner households in England and Wales, helping them manage increased energy costs during winter.
For most households, no action was needed to receive the payment-eligible recipients were sent a letter in October or November 2025, confirming the payment amount and when it would be issued.
The funds appear in bank accounts with a payment reference beginning with the person’s National Insurance number, followed by “DWP WFP”.
If you’ve not received your money or the letter, the DWP advises contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2025/26, you must:
- Have reached state pension age by the end of the qualifying week, which ran from September 15 to 21, 2025
- Live in England or Wales
- Have an income of £35,000 or less (the updated income threshold)
This year’s higher income threshold ensures that no lower or middle-income pensioners miss out.
Here’s how much you could receive:
| Age Group | Winter Fuel Payment Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 80 | £100 – £200 |
| Over 80 | Up to £300 |
| Couple (one over 80) | £300 per household |
Automatic
Most pensioners don’t need to apply. If you’re receiving any of the following benefits, the payment is made automatically:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Income Support
- Income-related ESA
- Income-based JSA
- War Pensions Scheme
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Incapacity Benefit
- Industrial Death Benefit
In these cases, no registration or application is necessary.
Exceptions
You do need to make a claim if:
- You’re not receiving any of the above benefits
- You’ve never received a Winter Fuel Payment before
- You deferred your State Pension and didn’t get the payment last year
The deadline to make a claim for winter 2025/26 is March 31, 2026. You can claim by post or by phone via instructions on GOV.UK.
Ineligibility
There are a few situations where you won’t be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment. You will not qualify if you:
- Live outside England and Wales
- Were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire September 15–21, 2025 week and also the previous year
- Were in prison during that entire week
- Are in the UK but your visa restricts access to public funds
Action
With the January 28 deadline here, pensioners are urged to check their bank statements for a payment listed with their National Insurance number followed by “DWP WFP”. If you haven’t received anything, and think you’re eligible, call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to get help.
Acting now ensures you receive the financial support you’re entitled to-before the deadline passes.
FAQs
When is the Winter Fuel Payment deadline?
January 28, 2026 is the deadline to check for payment.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Between £100 and £300 depending on age and situation.
Do I need to apply for the payment?
Most pensioners receive it automatically if eligible.
What if I didn’t get the payment?
Call 0800 731 0160 to contact the Payment Centre.
