DWP confirms five groups that will NOT be eligible for winter fuel payment this year

Those who qualify will get between £100 and £300 to help with heating costs over the winter months.

Despite this reversal, certain groups remain excluded from the support.

The DWP has explained which pensioners will miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment. Some meet the age requirement but fall into specific circumstances that make them ineligible.

Those excluded include:

• Pensioners earning more than £35,000 a year, who will have the payment reclaimed through their tax code
• Anyone who spent the entire week of 15–21 September 2025 in hospital receiving free treatment
• Individuals who were in prison for the whole of that same week in September
• Care home residents who receive certain benefits — including Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) — and have lived in a care home continuously since 23 June 2025 or earlier
• People whose immigration status prevents them from claiming public funds, which automatically disqualifies them from receiving the Winter Fuel Payment regardless of age or other factors

Higher earners will have the payment automatically reclaimed through adjustments to their tax code the following year, usually via the PAYE system.

Self-employed people and those with higher incomes will repay the amount through their self-assessment tax return, although they can choose to opt out of receiving the payment altogether to avoid repayment later.

Eligibility for care home residents depends on more than just receiving benefits.

Those claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) will lose eligibility only if they have lived in a care home continuously since 23 June 2025 or earlier.

Residents who moved into care after that date, or who do not claim these specific benefits, may still receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

Pensioners born before 22 September 1959 and residing in England or Wales may qualify for the payment, with notification letters arriving during October or November detailing the exact amount.

The DWP expects most Winter Fuel Payments to be made during November and December.

Officials have warned pensioners to watch out for scam messages pretending to be from the Government.

Recipients should never share bank details or passwords and should report any suspicious contact to the proper authorities.

In Northern Ireland, pensioners are covered by a similar scheme run by the Northern Ireland Executive, with the same eligibility rules. In Scotland, pensioners do not receive the Winter Fuel Payment but may qualify for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead.

Further information about eligibility and how to apply can be found on the official Government website.