Millions of pensioners may receive help with heating costs this winter, but the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that some older people will not qualify for the payment.
Five Groups Excluded From Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some people over State Pension age will not qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment in 2026.
The annual tax-free payment, which ranges from £100 to £300, is intended to help eligible pensioners manage winter energy bills. People born on or before June 27, 1960 may qualify for the support, depending on their circumstances.
The DWP says people will not receive the payment if they live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or if they were in hospital receiving free treatment for the full week from September 21 to 27, 2026, as well as the same period in the previous year.
The payment will also not be available to people who need permission to enter the UK and whose immigration conditions prevent them from claiming public funds. Those who were in prison for the entire week of September 21 to 27, 2026 will also be excluded.
People with an annual income above £35,000 will not ultimately keep the payment, as HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will recover the money through the tax system.
Government Reversal Restored Support For Millions Of Pensioners
The Manchester Evening News reported that around three-quarters of state pensioners received the payment last year after the Government reversed its previous decision on eligibility.
Following that change, around nine million pensioners in England and Wales received the winter support. Under the current rules, pensioners with an income of £35,000 or less can receive either £200 or £300, depending on their circumstances.
Most eligible recipients do not need to apply because payments are usually made automatically based on information held by government departments.
Care Home Residents Face Additional Restrictions
People living in care homes can still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, although some residents will not qualify.
The DWP states that care home residents are excluded if they receive benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and they have lived in a care home for the entire period from June 29, 2026 or earlier.
Automatic Payments Cover Millions Of Eligible People
The payment is normally sent automatically to people receiving qualifying support, including the State Pension, Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer’s Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
It also applies to people receiving income-related ESA, income-based JSA, awards from the War Pensions Scheme, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, and Industrial Death Benefit.
The DWP has confirmed that eligible pensioners will receive Winter Fuel Payments under the 2026 rules, while HMRC will reclaim payments from recipients whose income exceeds the £35,000 threshold.
