The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that more than 11.6 million pensioner households across the UK, including around one million in Scotland, have started to receive a one-off payment worth up to £600 to help with their heating bills this winter.
Winter Fuel Payments, which have been boosted this year by an additional £300 per household Pensioner Cost of Living payment, will land directly in bank accounts over the next few weeks, with the vast majority being made automatically.
The DWP said that while most payments will arrive before the payment window closes on January 13, 2023, some people may need to make a claim, such as those who qualify but do not receive benefits or the State Pension and have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment. Those who do not receive a payment by that date should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
