DWP application for Winter Fuel Payment opens - but most don't need to apply
The DWP has recently updated its guidance on how to apply for the benefit and have published a form for people who are eligible to claim a Winter Fuel Payment but need to apply for it manually
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is soon set to issue its Winter Fuel Payment to qualifying people.
The DWP has recently updated its guidance on how to apply for the benefit and have published a form for people who are eligible to claim a Winter Fuel Payment but need to apply for it manually.
The payment, designed to help with the rising cost of energy bills, will provide a cash boost to more than nine million pensioners this winter.
The majority of people who are eligible will receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically in England and Wales, the DWP confirmed. However, some people will need to make a claim - and you can do this from this week.
READ MORE: State Pension alert – Millions face paying income tax for first timeREAD MORE: DWP to pay £1,085 to UK households before Christmas - check if you qualifyIf you get any of the below benefits you do not need to claim and the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid automatically.
- 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
If you do not get any of the above, you need to claim if either of the following apply:
- You have not got the Winter Fuel Payment before
- You have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment
You can make a claim by post using the form on GOV.UK from September 15 and sending it off to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
You can also claim by phone from October 13 onwards by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 to claim by phone. Please have your National Insurance number, bank or building society details and the date you were married or entered a civil partnership, if appropriate.
The deadline for making a claim is 31 March 2026 and the amount you receive depends on circumstances between September 15 and September 21 this year as well as when you were born.
