Exact date millions should get winter fuel payment – and what to do if you don’t

Pensioners need to keep an eye on the date for winter fuel payments as the £300 government benefit is not paid to everyone - with claims to be made by those who qualify before January

Millions of pensioners will need to keep an eye on the date as this winter fuel payment's pay-out is revealed.

For the first time this year, the benefit, which is worth up to £300, will only be available to those claiming certain support. It will not be a universal allowance so those who are in need of the top-up may need to check if they are eligible for the payment. Previously the pay-out had been available to anyone over the State Pension age.

Most households do not need to qualify and will be sent a letter telling you how much of a pay-out you will receive and which bank account the payment will be made into. The cash is paid automatically to those who qualify, and those who do not receive a letter have been given a deadline to apply for the benefit.

Payments are £200 for eligible households and £300 for households where one or more resident is aged over 80. If the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, then contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The deadline for claiming money for winter 2024 to 2025 is set for March 31, 2025.

Payments will need to be processed by this date for those who qualify, with most once again receiving the money directly to their bank accounts, The Sun reported. Most pensioners will receive the money without any additional actions to take, as long as they have been taking certain benefits such as the Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.

Those who do not receive their Winter Fuel Payment benefit by January 29 should act promptly. You will need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160 to make a claim. The payment is now restricted to those on means-tested benefits. Pensioners receiving any of the following benefits below are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment allowance.

• Pension Credit (a key qualifier)
• Universal Credit
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

Over 800,000 pensioners may be missing out on the benefit. Pension Credit can top up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single or £332.95 for couples. If you think you are eligible to claim Pension Credit then it is essential to start the process as soon as possible. The latest claims can be backdated for up to three months, with the final date to claim for the 2024-2025 Winter Fuel Payment being December 21, 2024.