DWP deadline revealed as £200 funds issued to hundreds of thousands | UK | News | EUROtoday

Millions of pensioners eligible for winter gas funds have been urged to examine their financial institution accounts earlier than the tip of the month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed final yr that each one entitled households will obtain the lump sum of both £100, £200 or £300 earlier than a deadline of January 28. DWP pointers state that if pensioners “do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 28, contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre”.

Retirees had been instructed that the funds ought to seem within the financial institution accounts the place the state pension or advantages are often paid, with a cost reference beginning with the National Insurance quantity and adopted by ‘DWP WFP’. Pensioners often obtain the funds in November and December, with the quantity depending on whether or not they dwell as a pair, if they’re entitled to different advantages and whether or not or not they dwell in a care residence.

Pensioners on low incomes may apply for additional help by the pension credit score scheme – value round £4,300 on common a yr – whereas these with care wants can apply for attendence allowance, which could be value as much as £5,740 a yr.

The Government beforehand introduced plans to tighten eligibility for winter gas funds, however this was later rowed again on, with funds restored to the overwhelming majority of pensioners who had beforehand obtained them.

Pensions minister Torsten Bell mentioned final yr that 9 million folks throughout England and Wales would profit from the funds and urged these eligible to control their financial institution accounts.

He added that anybody who does not obtain the allowance earlier than this month’s deadline ought to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre and cautioned pensioners in opposition to rip-off messages all through the cost interval.

“Remember to stay alert to scam texts,” he mentioned. “The Government will never ask you to share personal information or click on links to claim your payment.”

Only pensioners born earlier than September 22, 1959, with an revenue at or beneath £35,000 will robotically obtain winter gas funds from the DWP.

People who have not obtained it earlier than or who’ve deferred their state pension since their final winter gas cost could must make a declare, in line with authorities steerage, however this have to be carried out by put up or phone earlier than the deadline of March 31, 2026.