DWP clarifies exact date Winter Fuel Payments should be paid to Brits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided clarity on the exact date individuals should expect their Winter Fuel Payment, following a rule change by the new government. Typically, most people receive this payment in November or December.

However, the DWP has indicated that for some, it may take slightly longer. If you haven't received your letter or payment by 29 January, then you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, as advised on the DWP website.

You can reach out to the centre if you're eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment and need to report a change of circumstances, update your address or personal details, wish to cancel future payments or want to return a payment. It's important to report any changes in circumstances as soon as possible - for example, if you stop receiving a benefit, move house or move into a care home.

These factors can affect how much Winter Fuel Payment you receive. If you decide to cancel your payments, you can reverse this decision at any time.

When contacting the payment centre, you'll need to provide your personal details such as your name, your address, your date of birth and your National Insurance number. You can either call the helpline or send a letter by post, according to Cambridgeshire Live, reports Wales Online.

If you're in the UK, call 0800 731 0160 or contact Relay UK on 18001 then 0800 731 0160.

If you didn't report a change promptly, provided incorrect details or were overpaid due to an error, you might be asked to return the money. For those living outside the UK, eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment applies only if you were born before September 23, 1958, receive the UK State Pension, have a substantial and valid connection to the UK - this could include having lived or worked in the UK, and having family in the UK, the UK is responsible for paying your benefits and you moved to an eligible country before December 31, 2020 and are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

However, if you're a British or Irish national residing in Ireland, there's no requirement to have relocated by December 31, 2020, but all other eligibility criteria must be fulfilled.