Over one million households to get £300 payment from today

From today (25 November), 1.3 million pensioners will start receiving up to £300 in winter fuel payments.

Most of these payments will land in pensioners’ bank accounts automatically.

How much you receive in a winter fuel payment will depend on your personal circumstances.

People born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958 will receive £200. Those born before 23 September 1944, will be paid the full £300.

The payment will appear in bank accounts with a reference beginning with your national insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP.’

Those eligible who haven’t received their payment by 29 January 2025 should contact the DWP directly.

Winter fuel payments have been the subject of controversy over the past couple of months after the new Labour government chose to make it means-tested. This resulted in thousands of pensioners missing out on the vital winter support this year.

But there is still time to see if you qualify for pension credit, which enables you to get the winter fuel payment.

The DWP has urged pensioners on low incomes to apply for pension credit before the 21 December deadline.

If successful, you will receive up to £300 in winter fuel payments and any backdated pension credit arrears where applicable.

A DWP spokesperson said: “Pension credit could be worth on average up to £3,900 a year, and it acts as a gateway to other important benefits including help with housing costs, council tax reductions, and NHS treatment. The pension credit standards minimum guarantee will soon be worth £227.10 a week for a single person and £346.60 for a couple.”

What is pension credit?

Pension credit is a means-tested benefit for pensioners on a low income to help with living costs.

How do you apply for pension credit?

You can apply online or by phone (0800 99 1234). You can also apply by post by printing out the form online and returning it to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3 or calling the claim line to request a form.

You’ll need the following details to hand to help with the application process:

• Your national insurance number
• Your bank account details
• Information about your income, savings and investments
• Information about your pension (if you have one)
• Details of any housing costs you have including your mortgage, interest payments or service charges
• Your partner’s details if you have one