Not all over-65s will qualify for Government support payments
15:28, 15 May 2026Updated 16:44, 15 May 2026
Rachel Reeves has set out the rules.(Image: PA)
Rules around which over-65s will qualify for Government bonus payments later this year have been confirmed.
Some pensioners will be excluded because they are judged to be wealthy enough to cope without the top-up.
Winter Fuel Payments are handed to lower-income retirees every November to help them keep their homes warm during the coldest months.
READ MORE: Rachel Reeves confirms new rule for state pensioners with incomes over £35,000
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The winter allowance used to be given to all pensioners but that’s no longer the case. The payments, worth either £200 or £300, are now linked to income.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed eligibility rules that were in place for winter 2025/26 will apply later this year.
Pensioners will now get to keep the cash if their annual incomes are below £35,000.
Those aged under 80 get £200 while over-80s get £300.
Higher payments are in recognition older people tend to spend more time in the house.
While other over-65s on higher incomes initially get the payments, HMRC will take it back from them later on in instalments.
The rules haven’t gone down with everyone. Some pensioners see the winter allowance as almost a right.
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Though many agree wealthy retirees don’t need the extra help from the state and that it’s easy money that can be saved.
Labour landed on the current rules after an initial mess when they arrived in Government in 2024.
Ministers stripped back the payments to only the very poorest – leaving out millions on low incomes.
The inevitable backlash forced the Government to change course and link the payments to income.
Though it could be argued Keir Starmer has never recovered from the decision.