What to do if your winter fuel payment hasn’t arrived

If you were expecting a winter fuel payment this year and haven’t had it, then time is running out to claim this support.

Most eligible pensioners will have had automatic payments in November and December.

However, some may have been accidentally missed.

If that’s happened to you, you can contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

But there’s a deadline - you only have until 28 January to act.

Who does this deadline apply to?

The 28 January deadline only applies to those who were expecting the payment but haven’t seen it in their account.

If you’re receiving support for the first time, you have until 31 March to make a claim.

Before you call, make sure you have:

• your national insurance number
• your bank or building society details
• the date you were married or entered a civil partnership (if applicable)

Who can get the winter fuel payment?

Everyone over the state pension age with an annual income of £35,000 or less is entitled to a winter fuel payment.

That works out to more than nine million pensioners getting help with their bills.

How much money will I get?

Eligible pensioners will get between £100 and £300, depending on factors like:

• whether you live as a couple
• if you’re entitled to other benefits
• if you live in a care home