DWP opens up applications for free £300 payment for UK households

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that applications for theWinter Fuel Payment will open in September 2025. The DWP is inviting pensioners who need to claim to apply for the £300 payments. From September 15, 2025, OAPs needing to claim this year's Winter Fuel Payment can do so by post, and from October 15, 2025, they can make their claims over the phone. This is an annual payment to help people with heating costs during the winter months.

With the current cost of living, every little helps. Around nine million people will automatically receive allowances. However, the DWP has highlighted two specific groups who may need to claim, emphasising that this can only be done via post or phone.

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If you're receiving any of the following benefits, there's no need to claim: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, and 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, and DWP Industrial Death Benefit are also included, reports Birmingham Live.

However, if you're not receiving any of these benefits, you'll need to claim if either of the following applies: you've never received the Winter Fuel Payment before OR you've deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.

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You can claim the Winter Fuel Payment by post from September 15, 2025, or by phone from October 13, 2025. The deadline for winter 2025 to 2026 claims is March 31, 2026. To qualify, individuals must have attained State Pension age by the end of the eligibility week.

Winter Fuel Payments are valued at £200 per household, or £300 for households with a member aged 80 or above. If the applicant's income is over £35,000, HMRC will take back the Winter Payment through the tax system, the gov.uk website explained. People also have the option to opt out if they wish not to receive it.

The Labour Party government has stated that shared payments will be made to pensioners not receiving an income-related benefit. This initiative aims to provide older citizens who may not be eligible, but still struggle to over any basic living expenses and therefore require some additional financial support.