Winter Fuel Payments 2025/26
For full details please visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Please be advised that there are several known scams being sent by text and email where the scammer is trying to get you to respond to their text/email.
DO NOT respond to these messages. DWP will NOT contact you to make a claim. Most people do not need to make a claim.
If you do need to make a claim, you should contact the DWP directly by post or phone as shown below.
You will only need to make a claim if either of the following apply:
-
you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before
-
you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment
Overview of Winter Fuel Payments 2025/26
If you are eligible under the 2025/26 scheme rules, you will get a letter from the DWP in October or November 2025. This year, if your income is over £35 000, you will not be entitled and the Winter Fuel Payment will be taken back by HMRC by changing your tax code for 2026/27 or by adding the amount to your Self-Assessment tax return.
The amount you receive will depend on your age, if you have a partner and on any benefits your receive. Please visit www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get for the full details.
How to claim
If you do need to make a claim, the deadline is 31 March 2026.
Claim by phone from 13 October 2025
Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to claim by phone.
Telephone: 0800 731 0160
Textphone: contact Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 731 0160
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you're on a computer
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Claim by post from 15 Sept 2025
Fill in a Winter Fuel Payment claim form and send it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton
WV98 1LR