Millions of UK households will soon receive letters from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) over the coming weeks. These letters will confirm a household’s eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment and the amount they could receive.

Data from the DWP reveals that over nine million people born before 22 September 1959, can anticipate receiving between £100 and £300 from the Winter Fuel Payment. This one-off payment is intended to alleviate the burden of increased energy costs as many households are expected to spend more on heating their homes during the colder months.

According to GOV.UK guidance, letters will be dispatched in October and November to inform pensioners in England and Wales about the Winter Fuel Payment. However, some people may not receive their letter despite being eligible.

The DWP has emphasised that most Winter Fuel Payments will be made automatically in November or December.

What if I don’t get a letter?

The DWP has stated that letters will be sent out to eligible claimants throughout the winter period. However, its guidance also indicates that if someone doesn’t receive a letter or a Winter Fuel Payment by 28 January 2026, they should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

When getting in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, you should provide them with your personal details, including name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance Number, where appropriate, so they can assist with your case.

You can contact the Centre by ringing 0800 731 0160, through an online email enquiry, or posting a letter to the following address:

Winter Fuel Payment Centre

Mail Handling Site A

Wolverhampton

WV98 1LR

Winter Fuel Payment eligibility

You can claim a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22, 1959 and reside in England or Wales.

The government explained: “The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between September 15 and 21, 2025. This is called the ‘qualifying week’.”

When you will not be entitled

You will not be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if you:

• Need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
• Live outside England and Wales
• Were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
• Were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that

Most people will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they qualify, but anyone who does not receive it but believes they should can check whether they can submit a claim. The deadline to apply for winter 2025 to 2026 is March 31, 2026.

The DWP stated: “Pensioners above the £35,000 threshold will have the full amount of the Winter Fuel Payment they received automatically collected via PAYE, or via their Self-Assessment return.

“No one will need to register with HMRC for this or take any further action. Pensioners who want to opt out and not receive the payment at all, will be able to do so, with details to be confirmed.”

Full details on the eligibility criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment can be found on GOV.UK here.