The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed four groups of people will not receive the winter fuel payment in 2026, even if they meet the basic eligibility criteria.
The payment is worth between £200 and £300. To qualify, you must have reached State Pension age — born on or before 28 June 1960 for the 2026/2027 winter — and have lived in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland during the qualifying week.
Who is excluded from the payment
People in the following groups will not get the payment:
- Those who usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- Those who were in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that
- Those who need permission to enter the UK and whose granted leave says they cannot claim public funds
- Those who were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026
HMRC will also claw back payments from those whose total taxable income exceeds £35,000. A partner's income does not count towards this total.
Energy bills set to rise
The announcement comes as household energy bills are set to increase to their highest level for three years heading into winter. Cornwall Insight experts predict a 4% rise in the energy price cap in October, despite the Prime Minister's plan to remove VAT from electricity bills.
Dr Craig Lowrey from Cornwall Insight warned: "Rising energy bills aren't welcome at the best of times, but with winter approaching this latest hike will hit struggling households especially hard."
The Government has pledged to tackle cost of living pressures, with a spokesman stating they are "acting to give consumers breathing space" through VAT cuts and the £150 warm home discount for around six million households.
Typical households could face annual bills of £1,729, up from £1,663, marking the highest average since July 2023.
