DWP eligibility criteria for Winter Fuel Payment – and who must claim | UK | News

The Winter Fuel Payment is a yearly,  tax-free benefit designed to help certain older people manage their heating expenses during the winter months. While it’s typically distributed automatically, some individuals may need to apply before a set deadline each year.

For 2026, the cut-off date is March 31, giving you just under 80 days to get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can reach out via phone or post, but you’ll generally need to have your National Insurance number, bank details and the date of your marriage or civil partnership (if applicable) to hand.

If you’re uncertain about your eligibility, The Express has provided a summary of the Winter Fuel Payment‘s eligibility requirements and potential amounts you could receive.

Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment

Generally, people born on or before September 22, 1959, who currently live in England or Wales, are among those who may qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. The amount you’re entitled to depends on your situation during the ‘qualifying week’, which was from September 15 to 21, 2025.

This may vary depending on other benefits you receive, such as Pension Credit, Income Support, among others. However, typically, if you live alone or no one else you live with qualifies for the payment, you could potentially receive either:

• £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

Alternatively, if you and a partner jointly claim Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Income Support, you could receive:

• £200 if both of you were born between September 22, 1945 and September 21, 1959
• £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

Official guidance from GOV.UK adds: «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.

«The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 15 and 21 September 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.»

The majority of people who automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment should have had this paid in November or December 2025. If you were expecting the payment but it hasn’t arrived in your account, please contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by January 28.

It’s crucial to note that this deadline is distinct from the one for submitting a claim, which applies in different circumstances.

Who is typically required to submit a claim?

The Government clarifies that those who usually need to make a claim are people who have not previously received the Winter Fuel Payment and those who have deferred their State Pension since receiving their last Winter Fuel Payment.

This is applicable if you were not in receipt of any of the following benefits during the qualifying week:

• 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
• Industrial Death Benefit

To apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, you may complete a claim form and send it to the following address: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR. Alternatively, you may call the centre at 0800 731 0160.

If you cannot speak or hear on the phone, contact Relay UK by dialling 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160. For more information, visit GOV.UK here.

For the latest money-saving tips, shopping and consumer news, go to the new Everything Money website