DWP published the form for Winter Fuel Payment: who needs to apply.

According to The Sun: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided new information regarding applications for winter assistance.

The agency has published a form for those eligible for the winter payment but must apply manually.

This winter, over nine million pensioners will receive financial assistance to cover rising energy costs.

DWP has confirmed that those eligible will automatically receive funds in England and Wales.

For those who need to apply themselves, the form is available on the government website.

Who is provided winter assistance?

Winter assistance can be received by individuals born before September 22, 1959, and residing in England or Wales.

No application is required if you receive any of the following:

• State pension
• Pension credit
• Universal credit
• Care allowance
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Carer's allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Financial support for low-income individuals
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Military pension benefits
• Accident at work benefits
• Incapacity benefits
• Death benefits from workplace accidents

If you do not receive any of the above, you need to apply if:

• You have not previously received winter payment
• You deferred your state pension since your last winter payment

How to apply for winter payment?

If you are eligible and need to apply, this can be done in writing from September 15.

To do this, you need to complete the winter payment application form and send it to the Winter Payment Center.

You can also call the Winter Payment Center at 0800 731 0160 to apply by phone. This is possible from October 13.

Before calling, prepare your national insurance number, your bank or credit union details, and the date of marriage or civil partnership if applicable.

You will also need to indicate if you were in the hospital for free treatment, in a care home, or in jail from September 15 to 21, 2025.

The last date for submitting an application is March 31, 2026.

How much will I receive?

The amount you will receive depends on your date of birth and circumstances during the period from September 15 to 21 of this year.

This period is known as the 'qualification week'.

If you live alone or have no housemates who are also eligible for the winter payment, you will receive:

• £200 if you were born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959
• £300 if you were born before September 22, 1945

If you live with someone who is also eligible for the winter payment but does not receive social benefits, you will receive:

• £100 if both you and the person you live with were born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959
• £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959, and the person you live with was born before September 22, 1945
• £200 if you were born before September 22, 1945, and the person you live with was born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959
• £150 if both you and the person you live with were born before September 22, 1945

If you and your partner jointly receive one of the following benefits: pension credit, universal credit, income-based jobseeker's allowance, employment and support funding, or financial assistance, you will receive a different amount:

• £200 if both were born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959
• £300 if one or both of you were born before September 22, 1945

However, if your taxable income exceeds £35,000, your winter payment may be returned through PAYE or self-assessment.

If you live in a care home, you will receive:

• £100 if you were born between September 22, 1945, and September 21, 1959
• £150 if you were born before September 22, 1945

Most winter payments are made in November or December.

What assistance is available for energy payments?

There are several ways to receive assistance for your energy bills if you are facing financial difficulties.

If you find yourself in debt, you can always contact your supplier to see if they can offer a payment plan before transferring you to a prepayment card.

This means paying off the debt in installments over a specified period.

If the supplier offers a payment plan that does not suit you, try discussing with them the possibility of obtaining a better deal.

Many energy companies have programs for customers who are having trouble paying their bills.

However, eligibility criteria vary, and the amount you may receive depends on your financial situation.

For instance, customers of British Gas or Scottish Gas who cannot pay their bills might receive grants of up to £2,000.

British Gas also offers assistance through its Energy Trust Fund.

You do not need to be a customer of British Gas to apply for this fund.

EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy, and Scottish Power also offer grants to underprivileged customers.

Unfortunately, thousands of vulnerable households do not receive additional assistance and protection without signing up for the Priority Services Register (PSR).

This service helps support vulnerable households such as the elderly or those with health issues.

Some benefits include advance warnings of power cuts, free gas safety checks, and additional support in times of trouble.

Contact your energy supplier to find out if you can apply.

Do you have a financial issue that needs resolving? Contact us by sending an email to [email protected].

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