DWP profit price ‘as much as £300’ – eligibility to assert by March 31

Most people automatically receive the payment – but others don’t

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The Winter Fuel Payment is a yearly, tax-free benefit aimed at helping certain elderly people manage their heating expenses during the winter months. While it’s typically issued automatically, some individuals may need to apply before a certain date each year.

For 2026, the cut-off is March 31, giving you around 60 days to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, which is overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can reach out via phone or post, but you’ll generally need 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, don’t fret. The Daily Star has broken down the Winter Fuel Payment’s eligibility requirements and exactly how much you could potentially receive.

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Winter Fuel Payment eligibility

Generally, people born on or before September 22 1959, who currently live in England or Wales, are eligible 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 might vary depending on other benefits you’re receiving, such as Pension Credit or Income Support. However, usually, if you live alone or no one else in your household is eligible 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

On the other hand, 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 might get:

• £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.”

Most people who automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment should have received it in November or December 2025. If you were expecting the payment but it hasn’t arrived in your account, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre by January 28.

It’s crucial to remember that this deadline is different from the one for making a claim, which applies in various situations.

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Who usually needs to make a claim?

The Government clarifies that people who typically need to make a claim are those 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 applies if you were not receiving 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 claim the Winter Fuel Payment, you can fill out a claim form and post it to: Winter Fuel Payment Centre, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR. You can also ring the centre on 0800 731 0160.

If you’re unable to speak or hear over the telephone, get in touch with Relay UK by dialling 18001 followed by 0800 731 0160. For more information, visit GOV.UK here.

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