Pensioner households will benefit from “vital support” this winter.
Eligible pensioners will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically (Image: Getty)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging state pensioners to look for a six-letter code on their bank statements from this month.
Around nine million pensioners across England and Wales are due to receive a “vital” payment of up to £300 in November and December for energy costs during the cold winter months. The DWP has confirmed that Winter Fuel Payments are now being sent to eligible households, with the payments to be made automatically from now until the end of December. Pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 depending on their circumstances, including whether they live on their own, in a care home, or if they are entitled to other benefits.
According to the DWP, the vast majority of pensioners should see their Winter Fuel Payment land in their bank account by mid-December and they can spot it by looking for the six-letter code “DWP WFP”.
The DWP said: “The payment reference pensioners receive will begin with the recipient’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP’, helping people to identify it safely.
“If pensioners with an income of over £35,000 received the Winter Fuel Payment, they may need to repay it later – either automatically through their tax code from April 2026 or their tax return for 2025/26. They do not need to do anything – HMRC will be in touch.”
Pensioners who haven’t received a payment by January 28, 2026, are advised to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
As payments start to roll out, pensioners are being urged to be wary of a surge in scam messages about the Winter Fuel Payment and are reminded that they will never be asked to provide their bank details to receive the payment.
Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a Winter Fuel Payment should ignore it, and not click on any links, and instead forward it to 7726.
Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “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.”
