Winter Fuel Payment eligibility for pensioners on DWP benefits, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): Some state pensioners receiving three Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits will not receive the Winter Fuel Payment, it has been warned. The scheme is designed to help pensioners through the colder months.
The DWP payments are available to those born before or on 1960 who live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Those who apply could receive between £100 and £300 to help with heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027.
Under DWP rules, people can receive the Winter Fuel Payment if they live in a care home. However, they will not be eligible if they receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier, the DWP has warned.
Other groups not eligible include those with income over £35,000, who face having to hand the Winter Fuel Allowance back to HMRC under a clawback scheme. People who usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or who were visiting these areas during the qualifying week of 21 to 27 September 2026 but usually live elsewhere, are also not eligible.
Further exclusions apply to people who were in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that. People who need permission to enter the UK and whose granted leave states they cannot claim public funds will also not qualify.
Anyone who was in prison for the whole of the qualifying week is likewise ineligible, the DWP has said.
People can no longer opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2026 to 2027. However, people can opt out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2027 to 2028 from 21 December 2026.
