State pensioners told to make one phone call for £300 from today

State pensioners told to make one phone call for £300 from today State pensioners will need to call up if they're not set to get the £300 cash. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Alex Evans , Deputy Audience Editor 12:44, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Updated: 12:46, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Winter Fuel Payments can drop as low as £100 (Image: Getty) State pensioners should automatically start receiving their Winter Fuel Payment from October, worth up to £300 depending on their circumstances. But despite the scheme now handing out universal payments to those of state pension age, not all retirees are automatically receiving the money and may still need to get in touch with the Government to make a formal claim . You have until March 2027 to do this, so there's plenty of time, but you can quickly and easily sort it out by phone this October. The Government's Winter Fuel Payment support page says that you need to claim the money if either of the following apply: Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment As an aside, deferring the state pension can be lucrative, as it can help avoid tax by moving your income to a later year after you finish working, and will also increase your state pension payments by 5.9% per year for the rest of your life, which can be profitable if you're in good health and expect to live a decent while longer. However, if the latter is not expected, it's important to consider if it will benefit you, as you could lose out. Get personal finance news, money saving tips and advice plus selcted offers and competitions I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . State pensioners over 75 can get £10,138 payments on top of state pension State pensioners under 77 given boosted £1930.40 Friday payments this October The exact amount you can get in your Winter Fuel Payment depends on your circumstances as of September 21 to 27, 2026. According to the 2026 rules laid out by the Winter Fuel Payment service, those who were born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960 and live with another state pensioner born in the same timeframe, you will only receive a £100 payment (and so will they). Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT If you were born between 28 September 1946 and 27 June 1960, but the person you live with was born before 28 September 1946, you will also receive £100. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT This then goes up to £150 (each) if you and the person you live with were both born before 28 September 1946. And finally, you get £200 if you were born before 28 September 1946, but the person you live with was born between September 28, 1946 and June 27, 1960. For solo state pensioners who do not live with another state pensioner, it’s much simpler. You get £200 if you were aged under 80 during the recent qualifying week, and £300 if you were over 80. The payments are sent out to everyone by default, with those who earn more than £35,000 expected to pay it back to HMRC , either through a change of tax code or via a self-assessment tax return, for those who already have income to declare (such as rental income). The Government explains: “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 21 to 27 September 2026. This is called the ‘qualifying week’. “Any money you get will not affect your other benefits. “ HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back by either: changing your tax code; [or] adding the amount to your Self Assessment tax return.” In order to make a claim, you can claim the Winter Fuel Payment by: post - from 21 September 2026 phone - from 19 October 2026 The number to call is: 0800 731 0160. State Pension HMRC Winter fuel payment Benefits Energy bills Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments