The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners can claim their Winter Fuel Payment by phone from Monday, October 19, 2026. Eligible individuals born on or before June 27, 1960, can receive payments worth between £100 and £300, depending on age and circumstances.
Eligibility and automatic payments
Most eligible pensioners will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically from November, without needing to make a claim. However, the DWP has clarified that those receiving at least one of 12 specific benefits do not need to claim. These benefits include State Pension, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, and Industrial Death Benefit.
If you do not receive any of these benefits, you will need to submit a claim if you have either not received the Winter Fuel Payment before, or you have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
How to claim and key dates
From October 19, 2026, pensioners can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0900 731 0160 to make a claim by phone. Alternatively, postal claims can be submitted now by completing an online form and sending it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The deadline for making a claim for winter 2026 to 2027 is March 31, 2027.
The DWP stated: “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.”
Qualifying week and impact on benefits
The amount you receive is based on your date of birth and circumstances between September 21 and 27, 2026, which the DWP calls the ‘qualifying week’. The DWP added: “You can claim the Winter Fuel Payment by: post - from 21 September 2026, phone - from 19 October 2026. The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2026 to 2027 is 31 March 2027.”
Any money received from the Winter Fuel Payment will not affect other benefits, according to the DWP. Eligible pensioners are advised to watch for their letter in October or November and to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre if they believe they are eligible but have not received correspondence.
