- More than nine million pensioners born on or before 1960 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are set to receive between £100 and £300 to assist with heating bills during winter 2026 to 2027.
- Five specific groups of pensioners will not be eligible for the winter fuel payout, including people residing full-time in a care home since 29 June or earlier who also receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
- You will also be ineligible for the payment if: You usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland; you were in hospital for a whole week in September; or you need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says you cannot claim public funds.
- The fifth group that is ineligible is those who were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
- Pensioners with a total income exceeding £35,000 will have their winter fuel payment reclaimed by HMRC after the government expanded the scheme following previous restrictions.
IN FULL
