The Department for Work and Pensions has released more details about this year’s Winter Fuel Payment
Millions of pensioners will get up to a £300 Winter Fuel Payment(Image: Getty)
The Department for Work and Pensions has unveiled additional information regarding this year’s Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners. This grant, which can amount to as much as £300, is intended to help the elderly manage their heating expenses.
The DWP has declared that pensioners looking to claim this year’s payment can do so by post from September 15 and via telephone from October 15.
The Government emphasises that Winter Fuel Payments will be automatically allocated to roughly nine million individuals in England and Wales, although some may need to apply. Pensioners born prior to September 22, 1959 will receive between £100 and £300 during November and December, but they will be informed by letter beforehand detailing exactly how much they will get.
The GOV.UK website identifies two specific groups of people who may need to claim the money, but it’s vital to note that this can only be done by post or over the phone.
It’s crucial to recognise that if you receive a text or an email instructing you to claim by clicking on a link or dialling a number, it’s a scam, reports the Mirror.
The DWP has already issued warnings via social media about these fraudulent messages, urging pensioners to report them, according to the Daily Record.
Check if you need to make a claim
The DWP asserts that most people will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they are eligible during the qualifying week, which is 15 – 21 September 2025. You don’t need to claim if you receive any of the following:.
You’ll need to submit a claim if any of the following circumstances are applicable:.
Should your taxable income surpass £35,000, HMRC will retrieve your Winter Fuel Payment through the tax system. If you prefer not to receive it, you have the option to opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment.
Those eligible will be notified via post around October or November with details regarding the sum they’re set to receive. The bulk of those entitled can anticipate payment in November or December 2025.
How to claim
Here’s how you can secure your Winter Fuel Payment:.
The deadline for winter 2025 to 2026 claims is March 31, 2026. Detailed guidelines on how to claim by post or over the phone can be found on GOV.UK.