How to claim Winter Fuel Payment for the first time

ByThiago SF

The Winter Fuel Payment helps millions of pensioners across the United Kingdom cover the cost of heating their homes during the coldest months of the year.

For many people, this payment is made automatically by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) — but if you’ve never received it before, you may need to make a first-time claim.

Here’s everything you need to know to apply safely, correctly, and on time.

1️⃣ Who Needs to Claim for the First Time

You only need to claim if you don’t already receive the payment automatically.
You will not get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if:

  • You’ve never received it before
  • You deferred your State Pension and are not currently receiving payments
  • You don’t get any benefits that usually trigger automatic payment (such as Pension Credit, Income Support, or Jobseeker’s Allowance)
  • You live abroad and are applying from an eligible European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland

If you already receive the UK State Pension, your payment is usually issued automatically each year.

2️⃣ When You Can Claim

For the winter 2025/2026 period, the claim schedule is as follows:

  • Postal claims open on 15 September 2025
  • Telephone claims open on 13 October 2025
  • The final deadline to claim is 31 March 2026

If your claim is received after the deadline, it will not be processed for that winter season.
It’s best to apply early to avoid postal or verification delays.

3️⃣ How to Claim (Step-by-Step)

There are two main ways to claim the Winter Fuel Payment for the first time:
by post or by phone.

✉️ By Post

  1. Download or request the official Winter Fuel Payment claim form (WFP1) from GOV.UK.
    🔗 www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim
  2. Fill in your personal and financial details carefully.
  3. Send your completed form to:

Winter Fuel Payment Centre
Mail Handling Site A
Wolverhampton WV98 1LR
United Kingdom

Make sure your form arrives before 31 March 2026.
It’s recommended to post it several weeks before the deadline to ensure processing in time.

☎️ By Phone

If you prefer to apply by phone, call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre from 13 October 2025:

  • Phone (UK): 0800 731 0160
  • Textphone (Relay UK): 18001 then 0800 731 0160
  • Outside the UK: +44 (0)191 218 7777

Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm (UK time).
Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles.
If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can access the Video Relay Service via GOV.UK.

4️⃣ What You’ll Need to Provide

Before calling or filling out the form, make sure you have:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Your full name, date of birth, and current address
  • Your bank or building society account details (where the payment will go)
  • The date of your marriage or civil partnership (if applicable)
  • Details of your circumstances during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025), including whether you were:
    • in hospital receiving free in-patient care
    • living in a care home
    • serving a prison sentence

If you live abroad, include your overseas address and information about your UK pension or benefits history.

5️⃣ What Happens After You Apply

Once the DWP receives your claim:

  1. They will verify your information against pension and benefit records.
  2. If accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation letter stating how much you’ll get.
  3. The payment will be sent directly to your bank account — usually between November and December 2025.
  4. The payment will appear on your bank statement as “DWP WFP”.

If additional checks are needed, you may be asked to provide proof of residence or identity.

6️⃣ If Your Claim Is Refused

If your claim is refused and you believe it’s incorrect, you can request a mandatory reconsideration — a formal review by the DWP.
You must do this within one month of receiving the decision notice.

If the reconsideration still denies your claim, you can appeal to an independent tribunal through the GOV.UK appeal portal:
🔗 www.gov.uk/appeal-benefit-decision

7️⃣ Tips and Warnings

✅ Apply early. Don’t wait until the last week of March — postal delays may cause rejection.
✅ Check all details twice. Small errors in National Insurance numbers or bank details can delay payment.
⚠️ Beware of scams. The DWP will never email, text, or call you asking for personal or banking information.
📞 Always contact only the official helpline (0800 731 0160) or the GOV.UK website.

8️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ When will I get paid?
Most payments are made between November and December.

2️⃣ How much will I receive?
Between £100 and £300, depending on your age and household composition.

3️⃣ Do I need to claim again next year?
No — once your first claim is approved, payments are made automatically in future years.

4️⃣ Can I claim if I live abroad?
Yes, if you live in an eligible European Economic Area country or Switzerland and have a link to the UK.

5️⃣ What if I made a mistake on my form?
Contact the helpline immediately to correct it before your claim is processed.

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