DWP has confirmed that people over State Pension age who need to claim this year’s Winter Fuel Payment can do so by post from September 15.
DWP warns state pensioners to complete task in September or lose payments
The Department for Work and Pensions has urged state pensioners to act or risk losing a winter payment. The DWP has confirmed that people over State Pension age who need to claim this year’s Winter Fuel Payment can do so by post from September 15.
State pensioners can also claim by phone from 15 October. State pensioners born before 22 September, 1959 will receive between £100 – £300 during November and December.
Older people set to benefit from a rule change as the Labour Party government expands eligibility will be notified by letter beforehand detailing the exact amount they will be paid, the DWP has previoiusly confirmed.
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Most Winter Fuel Payments will be issued automatically but some pensioners may need to make a claim. You do not need to claim if you get any of the following: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit or Industrial Death Benefit.
If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following apply: you’ve not had the Winter Fuel Payment before or you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by post – from September 15, 2025 – or phone – from October 13, 2025. The deadline to make a claim for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026.
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and live in England or Wales. DWP guidance explains: “You’ll get a letter in October or November telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get, if you’re eligible.
“If you do not get a letter but think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim.”