Winter Fuel Payment - How do I claim a Winter Fuel Payment?

Most people do not need to make a claim for a Winter Fuel Payment. You are usually paid automatically if you are getting other benefits like Basic State Pension, New State Pension or Pension Credit. (Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit and Universal Credit do not count as other benefits).

You will also be paid automatically if you got a payment last winter and your circumstances have not changed.

You might need to claim:

• if you live abroad even if you do get one of these benefits or
• if you are not getting other benefits and you did not get a payment last winter.

For the winter of 2023/2024, claims must be sent and arrive by 31 March 2024.

Making a claim

You can claim Winter Fuel Payment by:

• post - from 18 September 2023
• phone - from 4 October 2023

There's a different way to claim if you live abroad. 

Claim over the phone

Telephone: 0800 731 0160
Textphone: Call Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 731 0160

Claim by post

Fill in a Winter Fuel Payment claim form for UK residents and sent it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. 

If you live abroad

You can claim by post. You'll need to download and fill in:

• a Winter Fuel Payment claim form
• form IPCF091, if you're a UK national or UK dual national living in an eligible country

Download the forms

You can also claim by phone:

Telephone: 0800 731 0160
Textphone: Call Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 731 0160

What documents will I need to claim a Winter Fuel Payment?

You will need your national insurance number , the date of your marriage or civil partnership and your bank details.

You will also need to tell whether during 18 to 24 September 2023 you were in hospital, residential care home or in prison. 

When will my Winter Fuel Payment claim begin?

Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You should usually get your money by Christmas.

If you meet the qualifying conditions for a Winter Fuel Payment but do not get your payment automatically, you will need to make a claim and payment will be made to you three months after applying.

If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by 26 January 2024, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

You cannot claim a Winter Fuel Payment for previous winters.