The Winter Fuel Payment phone lines will be opening soon, allowing people to make a claim over the phone
Millions of pensioners nationwide will soon have a new method to claim their Winter Fuel Payment this year. Some could successfully claim up to £300 to assist with energy costs across the winter period.
While most people will automatically qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, there are some who may need to make a claim. This is particularly true if the claimant has never received the Winter Fuel Payment before or if they’ve deferred their State Pension since the last Winter Fuel Payment was issued.
From September 15, those wishing to make a claim could do so by sending it through the post. However, from Monday, October 13, the application process will be simplified as the Winter Fuel Payment phone lines will open, allowing applications to be made over the phone.
Bear in mind that whether you’re applying via phone or post, the deadline to make a claim for 2025/26 is March 31, 2026.
Who doesn’t need to make a claim?
You don’t need to make a claim over the phone or through the post if you are considered automatically eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. This could be the case if you claim one of the following benefits:.
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Industrial Death Benefit
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- State Pension
- Incapacity Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Pension Credit
- awards from the War Pensions Scheme
How to make a claim on the phone
From next week, you can ring up the Winter Fuel Payment Centre to lodge your claim. Simply dial 0800 731 0160, with lines open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Before you pick up the phone, ensure you have some crucial documents ready to assist with the process. These include your National Insurance Number, your bank details, and the date of your marriage or civil partnership if this applies.
You’ll also need to provide information about your personal circumstances during the qualifying week from September 15 to 21, 2025. This is particularly important if you were in hospital receiving free in-patient treatment, in prison, or in a care home during that week.
Full details on what you will need before contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre can be found on GOV.UK here.