The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some people will not receive the winter fuel payment this year, despite being in the correct age bracket
Some people will not receive the winter fuel payment this year according to the DWP(Image: Olga Pankova via Getty Images)
Financial assistance may be available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for individuals residing in England and Wales who were born before 22 September 1959, to help them cover their heating bills this winter.
Eligible individuals will receive between £100 and £300 after Chancellor Rachel Reeves reinstated the winter fuel payment for nine million pensioners.
Most eligible people will automatically receive the money, but there have been changes to the system since previous years. Here are the five groups who will NOT receive a payment even if they are in the correct age bracket of 66 years old and live in England or Wales, reports the Mirror..
You are not eligible for winter fuel payments if you:
Earn more than £35,000 a yearWere in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire week of 15 to 21 September 2025 (and the year before that).Were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025Live in a care home and receive certain benefits and lived there for the entire year from 23 June 2025 or earlierNeed permission to enter the UK and your granted leave prohibits you from claiming public fund
If a state pensioner earns more than £35,000 in the tax year 2025/26, their payment will be reclaimed through an adjustment to their tax code the following year. This typically occurs automatically via the pay as you earn (PAYE) system.
For those who are self-employed or high-income earners, the money will be reclaimed when filing a self-assessment tax return. Alternatively, it’s possible to opt out of the payment instead of having it recouped through the aforementioned methods.
Certain care home residents will receive the payment, but if both of the following conditions apply, you won’t:
You’re in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).You’ve resided in a care home for the entire year from 23 June 2025 or earlier.
If you qualify for the winter fuel payment, you’ll receive a letter in October or November detailing how much money you’ll receive. The DWP states that most people will receive their payment in either November or December this year.
It’s crucial to remain vigilant against scams related to the payment pretending to be from a government service. Never disclose your personal details, such as bank account information or passwords.
If something seems suspicious, report it here.
Pensioners residing in Northern Ireland may qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment from the Northern Ireland Executive. The eligibility criteria will mirror those of England and Wales.
Those in Scotland do not receive the winter fuel payment but might be eligible for the pension age winter heating payment. More information on the winter fuel payment can be found on the government website.
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