Most pensioners will get the Winter Fuel Payment paid straight into their bank account this winter without lifting a finger. But two groups will miss out entirely unless they put in a manual claim, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed.
Claims for the 2026 Winter Fuel Payment have now opened. According to reporting by the Mirror, while the vast majority of eligible pensioners receive the payment automatically, a minority fall outside the DWP’s automatic system and need to apply directly to secure the money.
The message from the DWP is blunt: if you’re in one of these groups, “you need to claim” – because the cash won’t arrive on its own.
Who needs to claim the Winter Fuel Payment in 2026?
Most people qualify automatically because the DWP already has their details through the State Pension or another benefit. The two groups highlighted as needing to apply are those the department doesn’t already hold a qualifying record for.
Based on the reporting, the pensioners who must submit a manual claim are:
- Those who do not receive the State Pension or another qualifying benefit: Without a benefit record linking them to the DWP, the automatic payment system cannot identify them.
- Those who have not claimed the Winter Fuel Payment before: A first-time claim gives the DWP the information it needs to process the payment.
The exact eligibility criteria for each group are not fully detailed in the source material. If you’re unsure whether you fall into an automatic or manual group, it’s worth checking your circumstances directly with the DWP rather than assuming the money will appear.
How much is the Winter Fuel Payment?
The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300, depending on your individual circumstances and household. The amount can vary based on your age and whether you live with other eligible people.
For example, a single pensioner living alone typically receives a different amount from a couple where both partners qualify. The source does not break down every payment tier, so the precise figure you receive will depend on your own situation as assessed by the DWP.
How do I claim the Winter Fuel Payment?
If you’re in one of the two groups that must apply, you should contact the DWP to make your claim now that the 2026 claims window is open. The department handles applications directly, and making a claim ensures your details are on record for this year and, in many cases, future winters too.
Full details on the two affected groups and how to apply were published by the Mirror, which reported that claims went live as the winter season approached. For the official process, pensioners should go through the DWP rather than relying on third-party sites.
When will the Winter Fuel Payment arrive?
The DWP usually pays the Winter Fuel Payment automatically to most recipients ahead of the coldest months. Those who need to claim manually should apply as soon as possible, because the payment cannot be processed until the DWP has received and checked the application.
The source does not specify a firm cut-off date for this winter’s claims. Even so, applying early is sensible – it avoids any delay in receiving help with heating costs when temperatures drop.
Why do some pensioners have to apply when others don’t?
The split comes down to the records the DWP already holds. When you receive the State Pension or a qualifying benefit, the department can match you automatically and send the payment without any action on your part.
People outside that system, however, are invisible to the automatic process. Because the DWP has no active record to trigger a payment, these pensioners must step forward and claim so their entitlement can be confirmed. That’s why checking your status matters: if you assume the payment is automatic when it isn’t, you could go without the £300 support entirely.
