DWP releases new date Brits can claim free £300 cash by - check if you're eligible

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that applications for thewinter fuel payment will open in September 2025. The DWP is preparing to accept requests from pensioners who need to claim to apply for the £300 payments.

Pensioners eligible to claim this year's winter fuel payment can do so by post from September 15, and can make claims over the phone by October 15. First launched in 1997, the winter fuel payment is a tax-free benefit to help older and vulnerable Britons meet the costs of heating their homes. The payments, which are distributed by the DWP are typically made between November and December every year to those eligible.

Nine million pensioners will receive the winter fuel payment this year after a humiliating Government u-turn.

In a major victory for the Daily Express, Chancellor Rachel Reeves insisted she had "listened" to readers' concerns as she reversed her hated policy to cut the benefit.

The payment was previously available to everyone above the state pension age (currently 66) in the UK, but in the 2024/25 tax year, new rules enforced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves meant only state pensioners on means-tested benefits would qualify.

Ms Reeves said the move would help save the Government between £1.3billion and £1.5billion per year.

The DWP highlights that two specific groups may need to apply, emphasising that this can only be done via post or phone.

If you're receiving any of the following benefits, there's no need to claim: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, and income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, and DWP Industrial Death Benefit are also included, reports Birmingham Live.

However, if you're not receiving any of these benefits, you'll need to claim if either of the following applies: you've never received the Winter Fuel Payment before OR you've deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.

You can claim the Winter Fuel Payment by post from September 15, 2025, or by phone from October 13, 2025. The deadline for winter 2025 to 2026 claims is March 31, 2026. To qualify, individuals must have attained State Pension age by the end of the eligibility week.