Millions expect help with heating this winter. Yet a set of strict rules means some over-66s could receive nothing at all.
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that, despite a June U-turn restoring winter fuel support for around nine million pensioners in England and Wales, five groups of older people will miss out. Payments of £100 to £300 are due, mostly paid automatically, but a qualifying week and new income rules will exclude many readers who assume they are covered.
Who will miss out this winter
The DWP says these five categories will not receive the winter fuel payment for 2025/26:
- Those with annual income above £35,000, where the payment will be reclaimed through the tax system.
- Anyone who was in hospital and receiving free treatment for the entire week of 15–21 September 2025 (and the same week the previous year).
- Anyone who was in prison for the entire week of 15–21 September 2025.
- People living in a care home who receive certain income-related benefits and have lived there continuously since 23 June 2025 or earlier.
- People who need permission to enter the UK and whose immigration status bars access to public funds.
Five exclusions apply: higher earners, full-week hospital stays, full-week imprisonment, specific care home cases, and immigration control.
What eligible pensioners can expect
If you live in England or Wales and were born before 22 September 1959, you may qualify. Most eligible people will not need to apply. Letters are due in October and November setting out how much is payable, with most payments arriving in November or December.
Key dates at a glance
| When | What to look for |
|---|---|
| 15–21 September 2025 | Qualifying week that determines eligibility and exclusions (hospital/prison status) |
| October–November 2025 | DWP letter confirming entitlement and amount (£100–£300) |
| November–December 2025 | Most payments made to bank or building society accounts |
| From April 2026 | Tax-code adjustment or self assessment recovers payments from those earning over £35,000 |
The £35,000 rule and how HMRC claws it back
The government has set a £35,000 income threshold for state pensioners. If your income for 2025/26 exceeds that figure, HM Revenue & Customs will recover the winter fuel payment in the following tax year. Most employees will see an adjustment via PAYE. Self‑employed people and higher‑income pensioners will settle it through their self assessment return. You can also choose to opt out rather than receive the money and have it reclaimed later.
If your income tops £35,000, expect the winter fuel payment to be recovered in full through your tax code or self assessment.
What the reclaim looks like in practice: suppose you receive £200 in November. If HMRC adjusts your code from April, around £16–£17 could be collected each month over the next 12 months. The total reclaimed matches the winter fuel payment you received.
Care home residents: when support stops
Some residents in care homes still qualify. But you will not be paid if both of these apply:
- You receive an income-related benefit such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income‑based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income‑related Employment and Support Allowance.
- You have lived in a care home for the entire year from 23 June 2025 or earlier.
If you moved into a care home after June 2025, or you do not receive the benefits listed, the exclusion above may not apply. The DWP letter will state your position.
Nations and regional differences
Rules for Northern Ireland match England and Wales, but payments are delivered by the Northern Ireland Executive. In Scotland, pensioners do not receive the winter fuel payment. Instead, they may be eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, which follows separate Scottish Government arrangements.
How to check if you are in scope
Use three quick checks to gauge your position before your letter arrives:
- Age and residence: you were born before 22 September 1959 and live in England or Wales.
- Qualifying week: you were not in hospital or prison for the whole of 15–21 September 2025.
- Income and status: your income is at or below £35,000, or you are content to have any payment reclaimed through tax.
Payment amounts and how they are decided
The DWP says eligible people will receive between £100 and £300. The figure depends on your age band and household circumstances. The letter sets out how your amount was calculated, when it will be paid, and what to do if details are wrong.
Scam warnings as letters and payments roll out
The payment has attracted fraud attempts that spoof government messages. Treat unsolicited calls, emails or texts about winter fuel support with caution. The DWP does not need your bank details if you already receive State Pension or certain benefits.
- Never disclose passwords, one‑time codes or full card numbers.
- Do not click payment links or download attachments claiming to “release” funds.
- Report suspicious approaches and contact your bank immediately if money leaves your account.
Real winter fuel payments arrive automatically if you qualify. You do not need to pay a fee or confirm your account to receive them.
If you think a decision is wrong
Wait for your letter, check the dates and circumstances it lists, and compare them with your records. If you believe your hospital status, care home dates or income have been misread, contact the DWP using the details on your letter. Keep copies of discharge summaries, care home contracts and income evidence to speed up any correction.
Practical tips if you are excluded
Several alternatives can still help with winter costs:
- Ask your energy supplier about support schemes, repayment plans and whether you can be added to the Priority Services Register.
- Check local council welfare assistance and discretionary energy funds in your area.
- Speak to a trusted advice charity about pension credit checks, budgeting help and benefits you might have missed.
If your income exceeds £35,000 and you prefer not to juggle a tax reclaim later, consider opting out before payment. If you do receive it, budget on the basis that HMRC will recover the full amount next year.
What happens next
Letters will land through October and November. Most eligible pensioners will see funds in November or December. If you get nothing by early January and believe you qualify, use the contact details in your letter, or your usual DWP helpline, to query your case.
Quick q: If you were born before 22 Sept 1959 but moved into a care home in July 2025 and don’t get income‑related benefits, are you still eligable, or does the ‘lived there continuously since 23 June’ rule exclude you anyway? Also, does a two‑day hospital stay in the qualifying week matter?