January reminder to OAPs as auto DWP payments up to £300 set to end | Retirement | Finance
Pensioners are reminded of a one-week deadline regarding a winter payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Winter Fuel Payment should be distributed to all qualifying people by January 28.
Those over 66 in Scotland should likewise have received their Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland before the new year.
However, official DWP guidance indicates that if pensioners “do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 28 2026, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre” as a claim may be required.
According to the Daily Record, the funds will appear in bank accounts – where State Pension or benefits are normally paid – with the payment reference starting with the National Insurance number followed by “DWP WFP”.
Pensioners are urged to carefully check their bank statements for this reference code before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
It’s important to note that only pensioners born before September 22, 1959 with an income at or below £35,000 will receive an automatic Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP.
UK Government online guidance highlights two specific categories of people who may need to claim Winter Fuel Payment, but it’s crucial to note this can only be done by post or telephone before 31st March 2026.
The DWP has confirmed that most people will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualify during the qualifying week, which took place between 15th – 21st September 2025.
You won’t need to submit a claim if you’re receiving any of the following:
- 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
Nevertheless, if you’re not receiving any of these benefits, you’ll need to submit a claim if either of the following circumstances apply:
- You’ve never received the Winter Fuel Payment previously
- You’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment
- How to submit a claim
You can submit a claim for the Winter Fuel Payment through:
The deadline for submitting a claim for winter 2025 to 2026 is 31st March 2026. Full guidance on how to claim by post or phone can be accessed on the GOV.UK website here.
