Pensioners all across the country will begin receiving an important letter they shouldn’t ignore from October
The DWP will issue important letters from next month(Image: Getty Images)
Millions of pensioners will soon receive a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that will determine how much support they get this winter. As many as nine million pensioners are poised to receive up to £300 this winter through the Winter Fuel Payment, a scheme designed to provide additional financial support during the colder months.
Despite initial proposals to cut the scheme, a government U-turn has ensured that many will still be eligible. Those born before September 22, 1959, will be able to receive between £100 and £300 to help with the increased cost of heating throughout the colder period.
Meanwhile, people aged between 66 and 79 will get as much as £200 while those aged 80 and over could receive the full £300.
When will I find out how much I can get?
Typically, those who qualify will receive a letter in October or November detailing how much they can expect to receive. This letter will explain the exact amount you will receive from the DWP through the Winter Payment as well as which bank account it will be sent to.
What if I don’t receive a letter?
Official guidance states that you should wait until January 28, 2026 to receive a Winter Fuel Payment letter. If you do not get one by this date, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Before contacting them, you will need to tell them your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. The centre can be contacted by dialling 0800 731 0160 or sending a letter to:
Winter Fuel Payment CentreMail Handling Site AWolverhamptonWV98 1LR
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. The government explained: “The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 15 and 21, 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.”
When you will not be eligible
You will not be eligible if you:
need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public fundswere in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025live outside England and Waleswere in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before thatWhen you will get paid
Most people will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualify, but anyone who does not receive it but believes they should can check whether they can submit a claim. The deadline to apply for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026.
The DWP said: “Pensioners above the £35,000 threshold will have the full amount of the Winter Fuel Payment they received automatically collected via PAYE, or via their Self-Assessment return.
“No one will need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action. Pensioners who want to opt out and not receive the payment at all, will be able to do so, with details to be confirmed.”