UK households are being urged to spend 16 minutes to get a free £300 payment before a December deadline.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a reminder to pensioners to submit a claim for Pension Credit, which serves as a gateway to get this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

The DWP says it only takes 16 minutes on average to apply for Pension Credit and anyone who makes a successful claim before the deadline of December 21 will receive both backdated Pension Credit and a Winter Fuel Payment.

The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 and due to a rule change by Labour this year, an estimated 780,000 pensioners in England and Wales will lose out on the support.

The government changed the eligibility rules so that households will only qualify for fuel payment if they receive Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits.

As such, the DWP is urging pensioners to check their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit to ensure they secure their £300 winter payment.

Since July, an extra 42,500 pensioners are now claiming Pension Credit and will get the Winter Fuel Payment, and the DWP has now deployed 500 extra staff to process applications as quickly as possible.

The benefit is worth £3,900 per year on average and it opens the door to a wealth of other support, including help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts, a free TV licence, NHS treatment costs and of course the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds MP said: “We’re pleased to see more pensioners are now receiving Pension Credit and our staff are processing claims as quickly as possible.

“With the 21 December approaching, my message is clear: check if you are eligible for Pension Credit and if you are then apply, as it unlocks a range of benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment.”

Most Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically in November or December and you should get a letter from the DWP telling you how much you’ll get. If you don’t get a letter, or the money hasn’t been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, you should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.