Millions of pensioners are set to receive up to £300 towards their heating bills this winter, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed five groups who will miss out. The Winter Fuel Payment provides eligible older people with between £100 and £300 to help with energy costs during the colder months.
Who qualifies for the payment
For winter 2026 to 2027, people born on or before June 27, 1960 who live in England or Wales could qualify for the support. However, DWP rules mean some people will not receive a payment even if they meet the age requirement.
The five groups who will not qualify are people who:
- Live outside England and Wales
- Were in hospital receiving free treatment throughout the qualifying week of September 21 to 27, 2026, as well as for the year before
- Need permission to enter the UK and have been granted leave on the condition that they cannot claim public funds
- Were in prison throughout the qualifying week of September 21 to 27, 2026
- Receive certain means-tested benefits and have been living in a care home for the required period
Benefits covered by the care home rule
The benefits covered by the care home rule include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
The DWP has previously explained: "If you were born before 28 June, 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. This is known as a 'Winter Fuel Payment'."
It added: "You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 27 June, 1960 and live in England or Wales. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between 21 to 27 September, 2026. This is called the 'qualifying week'."
Higher earners and payment amounts
The department also states that receiving the payment will not affect a person's other benefits. There are separate rules for pensioners with higher incomes. Those earning more than £35,000 can still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, but HMRC will recover the money through the tax system.
This can be done by changing a person's tax code or adding the amount to their Self Assessment tax return. Payments are generally worth £200 for eligible people under 80 and £300 for those aged 80 and over, depending on their circumstances.
