Millions of pensioners eligible for winter fuel payments have been urged to check their bank accounts before the end of the month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed last year that all entitled households will receive the lump sum of either £100, £200 or £300 before a deadline of January 28. DWP guidelines state that if pensioners “do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 28, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre”.
Retirees were told that the funds should appear in the bank accounts where the state pension or benefits are usually paid, with a payment reference starting with the National Insurance number and followed by ‘DWP WFP’. Pensioners usually receive the payments in November and December, with the amount dependent on whether they live as a couple, if they are entitled to other benefits and whether or not they live in a care home.
Pensioners on low incomes can also apply for further support through the pension credit scheme – worth around £4,300 on average a year – while those with care needs can apply for attendence allowance, which can be worth up to £5,740 a year.
The Government previously announced plans to tighten eligibility for winter fuel payments, but this was later rowed back on, with payments restored to the vast majority of pensioners who had previously received them.
Pensions minister Torsten Bell said last year that nine million people across England and Wales would benefit from the payments and urged those eligible to keep an eye on their bank accounts.
He added that anyone who doesn’t receive the allowance before this month’s deadline should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre and cautioned pensioners against scam messages throughout the payment period.
“Remember to stay alert to scam texts,” he said. “The Government will never ask you to share personal information or click on links to claim your payment.”
Only pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income at or below £35,000 will automatically receive winter fuel payments from the DWP.
People who haven’t received it before or who have deferred their state pension since their last winter fuel payment may need to make a claim, according to government guidance, but this must be done by post or telephone before the deadline of March 31, 2026.
