Can I get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically

ByThiago SF

Every year, the Winter Fuel Payment provides vital support to help older people in the United Kingdom cover heating costs during winter.

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How to claim Winter Fuel Payment for the first time

While millions receive it automatically, others must apply for the first time.

So how do you know which group you fall into — and what does “automatic payment” really mean?

Let’s break it down clearly, step by step.

1️⃣ What Does “Automatic Payment” Mean?

When the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says your payment is automatic, it means that you don’t have to fill out any forms or make a claim.

If you’re already on qualifying benefits or the State Pension, the DWP uses your existing records to confirm your eligibility.

Once verified, your Winter Fuel Payment is sent directly to your bank or building society account — usually between November and December each year.

You’ll see it listed as “DWP WFP” on your statement, and you’ll also receive a letter confirming the amount and expected payment window.

2️⃣ Who Gets the Winter Fuel Payment Automatically

You’ll usually receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if, during the qualifying week (15–21 September 2025), you:

  • Were born before 22 September 1959, and
  • Lived in the United Kingdom, and
  • Receive one of the following benefits:
    • State Pension
    • Pension Credit
    • Income Support
    • Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based)
    • Employment and Support Allowance (income-related)
    • Universal Credit (in certain cases)

If all these apply, no action is required — your payment will arrive automatically each winter.

The DWP will send a letter in early autumn confirming that you’re eligible and specifying the amount (£100 to £300) depending on your age and household situation.

3️⃣ When You Will Not Get It Automatically

There are situations where you must apply manually, even if you qualify by age or residency.
This includes if you:

  • Have never received the Winter Fuel Payment before
  • Deferred your State Pension (i.e., you’re eligible but not currently being paid it)
  • Do not receive any of the qualifying benefits
  • Moved abroad and live in an eligible EEA country or Switzerland
  • Changed your address or bank details recently, and your DWP record isn’t updated

If any of these apply, you’ll need to complete the Winter Fuel Payment claim form (WFP1) or call the helpline.

4️⃣ How to Apply If It’s Not Automatic

If you need to make a claim, you can do so by post or phone.

✉️ By Post:

Download or request the WFP1 claim form from:
🔗 www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim

Send it to:

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

☎️ By Phone:

Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre:

  • 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).
Make sure to apply before 31 March 2026 for the 2025/26 winter period.

5️⃣ New Rule for 2025/26: Income Threshold

From the 2025/26 winter season, a new £35,000 annual income threshold applies.
This doesn’t affect whether your payment is automatic, but it does affect whether you keep it in full.

  • If your taxable income is under £35,000, you’ll keep the full payment.
  • If your income is over £35,000, you may still receive the payment automatically, but HMRC can recover part of it via tax adjustments later in the year.

This change aims to maintain fairness while ensuring that the benefit continues to support pensioners with real heating needs.

6️⃣ What to Do If You Haven’t Received It Automatically

If you expected an automatic payment but haven’t received it by 28 January 2026, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre immediately.

When you call, have these ready:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Your bank details
  • Details about your State Pension or benefits
  • Your residential status during 15–21 September 2025

The DWP can confirm your status, check if a payment was issued, or help you reapply if necessary.

7️⃣ Exceptions: Who Doesn’t Qualify at All

You will not qualify for automatic (or any) Winter Fuel Payment if, during the qualifying week, you were:

  • In hospital receiving free inpatient treatment for the entire week
  • In prison
  • Living in a care home continuously since 23 June 2025, while also receiving Pension Credit or Universal Credit
  • Subject to immigration control with “no recourse to public funds”

These exceptions are applied automatically by the DWP’s system, meaning no payment will be issued under those conditions.

8️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ Will I get it automatically every year?
Yes — once you receive your first payment, it continues automatically unless your circumstances change.

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

3️⃣ Can I receive it if I live abroad?
Yes, in some European countries or Switzerland, but you must apply manually.

4️⃣ Do I need to update my details?
Yes — always inform the DWP if you change address or bank accounts to avoid delays.

5️⃣ When is the payment made?
Most payments are made between November and December, before the coldest winter months.

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