More than 11.6 million pensioners in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will receive the Winter Fuel Payment from today and over the next two months.

It is paid to those born on or before 25 September 1956, and this year, it has been boosted by an extra £300 Pensioner Cost of Living payment to help with energy bills this winter.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said payments will be made straight to bank accounts, with the vast majority being made automatically.

They will include a reference starting with your National Insurance number, followed by ‘DWP WFP’ for people in Great Britain and ‘DFC WFP’ for people in Northern Ireland.

If you need to make a claim, such as if you qualify but do not receive benefits or the State Pension or have never previously received a Winter Fuel Payment, you can apply by phone or post by 31 March 2023.

Payments should be received by 13 January 2023 but if you don’t get yours, contact the Winter Fuel Payments Centre.

Work and pensions secretary, Mel Stride, said: “We want to do everything we can to support pensioners who are often the most exposed to higher costs. That’s why we’re providing all pensioner households with an additional £300 on top of their Winter Fuel Payments to heat their homes and stay warm this winter.

“This extra payment is just one part of the wider support package we’re delivering to help with rising bills, including the biggest State Pension increase in history.

“Our support doesn’t stop here. As we deal with the impact of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the pandemic, we will continue to stand by the most vulnerable, with further cost of living payments coming next year.”

The government confirmed it is committed to the Pensions Triple Lock, meaning retirees will see a 10.1% rise to State Pensions in April 2023.

Meanwhile, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed Pension Credit will also rise by 10.1%. This is an income-related benefit that tops up a pensioner’s weekly income if it’s below £182.60 for a single person or £278.70 for a couple. An extra £300 Cost of Living payment will also be paid to pensioner households in 2023/24.

Related: Are you eligible for extra help with energy costs?