Website of the UK government
Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
Main menu
Page menu
Pensions and retirement planning
Winter Fuel Payment - getting paid
The Winter Fuel Payment is automatically given to those who have had their entitlement established. Find out what to do if you think your payment is incorrect or if you have concerns about the timing of your payment or cheque.
How you receive your Winter Fuel Payment
You will receive your Winter Fuel Payment the same way that you usually receive your State Pension or other benefit (apart from Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit).
If you're not getting a State Pension or another benefit (apart from Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or Child Benefit) your Winter Fuel Payment will be paid by the method of payment you indicate on your claim form.
What to do if your payment is incorrect
If you think your payment is incorrect, call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline.
Time limits on payments by cheque and payable order
If you are sent a cheque to your home address, you will need to cash it within one month of the date shown on it. You can cash the cheque at your local post office, or you can pay it into your bank or building society up to six months after the date shown on the cheque.
If you are sent a payable order to your home address, you will need to cash it within six months of the date shown on it. You can pay your payable order into your bank or building society.
If you cannot cash your cheque or payable order in time, contact the office that sent you the payment.
Timing of payments
If you claim on or before 25 September 2009 you should get your payment during November or December 2009.
If you apply after this date, you may not get payment until after Christmas.
Will it affect your other benefits?
The Winter Fuel Payment won't affect your other benefits and you won't have to pay Income Tax on it.
