The Department for Work and Pensions has officially confirmed that five specific groups of people will not qualify for the winter fuel payment in 2025, even if they meet the primary age requirement. This announcement comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves reinstates the vital support for approximately nine million pensioners across England and Wales this winter.
Who qualifies for winter fuel payments?
The winter fuel payment provides crucial financial assistance to help older people with heating costs during the colder months, offering between £200 and £300 depending on individual circumstances. To be eligible for the 2025 to 2026 payment, individuals must have been born before 22 September 1959 and have a taxable income of £35,000 or less.
Payments are being distributed automatically throughout November and December, with the majority expected to reach bank accounts by mid-December. Eligible recipients should receive a letter in October or November detailing the exact amount they will receive.
Five groups excluded from winter fuel payment
Despite meeting the age and income criteria, the DWP has identified five groups who will not be eligible for the winter fuel payment:
- People living outside England and Wales
- Those who were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire week of 15 to 21 September 2025, and for the same period the previous year
- Individuals who need permission to enter the UK and whose granted leave explicitly states they cannot claim public funds
- People who were in prison for the whole week of 15 to 21 September 2025
- Those living in a care home
Additionally, you will not be eligible if both of the following conditions apply: you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and you lived in a care home for the whole period from 23 June 2025 or earlier.
High earners and scam warnings
The DWP has clarified that individuals with incomes exceeding £35,000 will have their winter fuel payment reclaimed by HMRC. This recovery will occur either through adjusted tax codes for the 2026 to 2027 tax year or by adding the amount to their 2025 to 2026 Self Assessment tax return.
With payments currently being distributed, the government has issued strong warnings about fraudsters attempting to exploit the situation. Pensions minister Torsten Bell emphasised: "Payments are being made automatically throughout November and December, so don't worry if yours hasn't arrived yet. But do remember to stay alert to scam texts - the Government will never ask you to share personal information or click on links to claim your payment."
Recipients are advised to never provide banking details to anyone claiming to process these payments and to forward suspicious text messages to 7726 without engaging with them.
Any pensioner who has questions about their eligibility or hasn't received payment by 28 January 2026 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The government also highlights that pensioners on modest incomes may qualify for additional support through pension credit, while those requiring care could be eligible for attendance allowance.
