DWP issues major update over £300 payments 'hitting bank accounts'

The DWP has started issuing payments to some nine million pensioners. Most people of state pension age will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, although some people will have to pay it back through HMRC.

The payment is going out to pensioners across England and Wales, worth between £100 and £300. Most payments will go out automatically, arriving in bank accounts throughout November and December.

The amount each pensioner receives will depend on their living situation, whether they are entitled to other benefits and if they reside in a care home. Pensions minister Torsten Bell said: "From today [November 12], nine million pensioners across England and Wales will benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment hitting their bank account.

"Payments are being made automatically throughout November and December, so don't worry if yours hasn't arrived yet. But do remember to stay alert to scam texts, the Government will never ask you to share personal information or click on links to claim your payment."

The DWP warned the number of scams around the Winter Fuel Payment has vastly increased recently. These scams involve fraudsters posing as Government officials or payment providers, attempting to trick people into sharing their personal information.

Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it, including clicking on links, and instead forward it to 7726.

When will I receive my Winter Fuel Payment?

Most pensioners should receive the payment in their bank account by mid-December. If any pensioner has queries about their eligibility or has not received a payment by January 28, 2026, they are encouraged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

You should get the payment if you were born before September 22, 1959. Most people will get the payment automatically.

You do not need to apply if you receive any of these benefits:

• State pension
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Attendance Allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer's Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
• Awards from the War Pensions Scheme
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
• Incapacity Benefit
• Industrial Death Benefit.

If you do not get any of these payments, you need to claim if either of the following apply:

• You've received got the Winter Fuel Payment before
• You've deferred your state pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.

You can put in your claim by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Centre 0800 731 0160 or by filling in the claim form and sending it by post.

If your income is more than £35,000, you will need to pay back the payment through HMRC. The deadline to make a claim is March 31, 2026.