State pensioners throughout the United Kingdom could be entitled to receive up to £300 that remains unclaimed.
The Department for Work and Pensions provides this Winter Fuel Payment to assist eligible recipients with their heating costs during the colder months.
Approximately nine million pensioners across England and Wales qualify for this financial support in the current 2025/26 tax year.
The majority of those entitled should have already had their payments deposited automatically during November or December last year.
However, some qualifying individuals may still be waiting for their money to arrive.
Those who qualify for the payment but have not yet seen the funds arrive in their accounts are being encouraged to get in touch with the DWP later this month.
Eligible pensioners ought to have already received correspondence from the department outlining the amount they will be paid and confirming which bank account will receive the money.
Some qualifying individuals may still be waiting for their money to arrive
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GETTYThis is typically the same account used for State Pension payments or other benefit deposits. Anyone who has not received such a letter should take action to ensure they do not miss out.
From January 28, 2026, pensioners who have still not received their payment should reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.
The DWP states that most payments are distributed automatically during November or December, with recipients receiving a letter confirming the details.
Those who have neither received correspondence nor had money deposited into their account by this date need to contact the centre directly.
The deadline for making a claim runs until March 31, 2026, giving pensioners a window to ensure they receive their entitlement.
From January 28, 2026, pensioners who have still not received their payment should reach out to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre
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GETTYThe Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be reached by telephone on 0800 731 0160, with a Relay UK option available by dialling 18001 followed by the same number.
Alternatively, pensioners may write to the centre at Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1LR.
Those earning above £35,000 annually should be aware they will need to repay the amount through the tax system. Both phone and postal options remain available for anyone needing to chase their missing payment or submit a new claim.
To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, individuals must have been born before 22 September 1959. Additionally, recipients need to have claimed one of the qualifying benefits during the week spanning 15 to 21 September 2025.
Those who received eligible benefits during this specific qualifying period should have had their payment processed automatically
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PAThose who received eligible benefits during this specific qualifying period should have had their payment processed automatically.
Pensioners who do not claim any of the qualifying benefits but still meet the criteria must submit a claim themselves to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before the March deadline.
Certain circumstances disqualify individuals from receiving the payment. Those who spent the entire qualifying week in hospital receiving free treatment, and the year preceding it, are not eligible. Similarly, anyone who was in prison during the qualifying week cannot claim.
Care home residents who have lived in their facility continuously since 23 June 2025 or earlier are also excluded if they claim certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These exclusions apply regardless of whether other eligibility criteria are met.