Millions of state pensioners will receive a letter from the DWP this October or November confirming they are in line for up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham in 2026. But pensioners in five groups will miss out entirely.
New rules put in place this winter ensure payments are made to everyone, even if they earn over £35,000. Those earning above that threshold will still receive their Winter Fuel Payment, but they will be made to repay it via their taxes to HMRC. Others will not receive any payment at all.
Who will not be eligible?
According to Age UK, those who lived in a care home before June 29, 2026 and also claimed Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance will not be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment.
Those who lived in a care home and do not get one of those benefits will receive a lower £100 payment instead (or £150 if you are over 80), which is half the normal amount.
Other scenarios confirmed by the Government
The Government has also confirmed several other scenarios in which you will not get a payment, including if you live outside England or Wales, are in hospital, or are in prison.
The DWP says via gov.uk:
“You will not be eligible if:
- usually live outside England and Wales
- were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that
- need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026
You will not be eligible if both of the following apply: you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier.”
