DWP explains £300 payments which are being paid into bank accounts

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified the exact date people should receive their Winter Fuel Payment following a rule change by the new government. Most people are paid in November or December.

However, the DWP has noted that for some, it may take a bit longer. If you haven't received your letter or payment by January 29, then you should get in touch with the Winter Fuel Payment Centre, as per the guidance on the DWP website.

People can contact the centre if they're eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment and need to report a change of circumstances, need to update their address or personal details, wish to cancel future payments or want to return a payment. Report any changes in circumstances as soon as possible - for instance, if you stop receiving a benefit, move house or move into a care home.

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These can affect how much Winter Fuel Payment you receive. If you 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, reports Cambridgeshire Live.

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

If you failed to report a change immediately, provided incorrect information or were overpaid by mistake, you may be required to repay the money. For those not residing in the UK, eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment is only applicable if you were born before September 23, 1958, receive the UK State Pension, have a genuine and sufficient link 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 relocated to an eligible country before December 31, 2020 and are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

However, if you are a British or Irish national living in Ireland, there's no need to have moved by December 31, 2020, but all other eligibility rules must be met.