The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the groups of people that will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year. The financial help of up to £300 is given to pensioners by the Government to help keep their homes warm.
Following a U-turn from the Government last year, eligible pensioners - who have an income of or below £35,000 - will get either up to £300 this winter. The payment is an annual, tax-free government grant of between £100 and £300, paid to people over the State Pension age to help cover the cost of heating over the winter.
Five groups excluded from the payment
However, five groups of over-66s will not receive the financial help, the DWP has since confirmed. You will not be eligible if you:
- live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- 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 September 21 to 27, 2026
- have an annual income of over £35,000
Care home residents and automatic payments
If you live in a care home you can get a Winter Fuel Payment. However 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 June 29, 2026 or earlier.
Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible. You do not need to claim if you get any of the following: State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, or Industrial Death Benefit.
If your income is over £35,000, HMRC will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. You can check if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back.
