DWP Winter Fuel Payment 2026 - check if you need to claim up to £300

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched applications for this year's Winter Fuel Payment for those who won't get the money paid automatically. Postal and telephone applications for the 2026/27 payment will stay open until March 31, 2027. The majority of qualifying pensioners don't need to submit a claim and ought to get their payment without taking action. However, the DWP is encouraging people to verify the criteria to ensure they don't lose out. Winter Fuel Payments range from £100 to £300 and are accessible to qualifying individuals who were born on or before June 27, 1960 and normally reside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It's crucial to note that pensioners in Scotland now get Pension Age Winter Heating Payment rather than a Winter Fuel Payment. The sum someone gets depends on their age and situation during the qualifying week, which took place from September 21 to 27. The fresh DWP application form also states that individuals who must apply need to have reached State Pension age before or during the qualifying week, reports the Daily Record . Based on the most recent guidance on GOV.UK, people don't need to submit a claim if they're eligible and get any of the following: State Pension Pension Credit Universal Credit PIP Disability Living Allowance Carer's Allowance Attendance Allowance income-related Employment and Support Allowance awards from the War Pensions Scheme Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Incapacity Benefit Industrial Death Benefit These categories should get the Winter Fuel Payment without applying if they meet eligibility criteria. Individuals who don't get any of the benefits or payments mentioned above may be required to apply. The DWP states that a claim is necessary if someone is not in receipt of any of those payments and either has never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment or has deferred their State Pension since their last Winter Fuel Payment. The official application form phrases this slightly differently, clarifying that the majority of eligible individuals will receive the payment automatically and that the form should only be filled in if the DWP has specifically requested it, or if the applicant receives no DWP benefit or pension but has reached State Pension age and wishes to claim Winter Fuel Payment. The form requires personal details including the applicant's National Insurance number, date of birth, address and bank or building society details. At least one telephone number must also be provided. The deadline for submitting a claim is March 31, 2027.