Winter Fuel Payment 2025/26: Five Groups Who Will Miss Out Despite DWP U-Turn
The Department for Work and Pensions( DWP) has verified that the Winter Energy Payment for 2025/26 will be available to all individuals in England and Wales born before 22 September 1959.
Eligible pensioners will receive a letter in October or November attesting the quantum due.
The payment ranges between £200 and £300, depending on age and household circumstances. Households with someone over 80 will receive £300, while others will get £200.
“Eligible individuals will receive a letter in October or November detailing the amount they will receive,” the DWP confirmed. However, despite the government’s recent U-turn, some groups will not qualify.
Who Won’t Get the Payment?
The DWP has identified five groups who remain ineligible:
- Residents outside England and Wales – Scotland and Northern Ireland run separate schemes.
- Hospital patients – Anyone in hospital receiving free treatment for the full week of 15–21 September 2025, or the same week in the previous year, is excluded.
- Prisoners – Those incarcerated for the entire qualifying week will not receive the payment.
- Care home residers on specific benefits – Individuals living in a care home continuously from 23 June 2025 and entering Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-grounded Jobseeker’s Allowance( JSA), or income-related Employment and Support Allowance( ESA) will be ineligible.
- Individuals with restricted immigration status – People who require permission to enter the UK and whose leave prevents them from claiming public funds cannot receive the payment.
Most pensioners do not need to take action. “Pensioners need not take any action as they will automatically receive the payment this winter, and for those with incomes above the threshold, it will be automatically recovered via HMRC.”
Payments are expected to be processed automatically this winter, with the DWP contacting eligible households directly.
In addition to the Winter Fuel Payment, over 12 million UK pensioners are expected to benefit from the Triple Lock, which could raise their State Pension by up to £1,900 this parliament, according to Birmingham Live.
The DWP advises pensioners to be alert for scams. Genuine notifications will not ask for bank details by phone or email.
With cold months approaching, understanding eligibility is crucial. Those who fall outside the qualifying groups may need to explore alternative financial support.
