DWP confirms Monday update for Winter Fuel Payment households

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the Winter Fuel Payment phone line is open

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released fresh guidance for Winter Fuel Payment claimants this year. For those who won't automatically receive the payment, the DWP has announced that telephone lines are now operational.

Individuals can claim their payments from 19th October, the DWP confirmed, as helplines open for the Winter Fuel Allowance.

Payments are typically processed automatically during November or December (those needing to contact the helpline to claim will receive theirs after this timeframe). State pension recipients or those receiving other DWP benefits should have it paid automatically, using the same payment method as their existing benefits, reports Birmingham Live.

First-time claimants who don't receive any benefits, or individuals who've deferred their state pension, may be required to submit a claim. You can lodge a claim by filling in the Winter Fuel Payment claim form. Alternatively, telephone claims are accepted until 31st March by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

Those exempt from claiming include recipients of State Pension, Pension Credit and Universal Credit, alongside Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Additional benefits that mean you won't need to make a claim include awards from the War Pensions Scheme and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, along with Incapacity Benefit and Industrial Death Benefit.

However, if you are not in receipt of any of these, you will need to submit a claim if either of the following circumstances apply: you have never previously received the Winter Fuel Payment, or you have deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment was received.

Money Saving Expert, the website founded by BBC and ITV personality Martin Lewis, stated: "One of the benefits of the new system is all State Pensioner households will be paid it automatically. For the vast majority, there is no need to apply to claim it. Yet sadly scam texts, social media posts, and likely emails too, have already started to spring up with links or phone numbers trying to get people to claim. If you see one of these it is a scam. Do not reply, and see our scams guide for more info."