The Department for Work and Pensions has outlined 5 groups that will now miss out on Winter Fuel Payments.
The Winter Fuel Payments, reinstated this winter by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, are set to provide up to £300 of much-needed assistance to older people.
However, the DWP has now declared that, due to a list of different reasons, people may not be eligible for the payment.
To qualify, you must have been born before 22 September 1959, and those who are eligible will be paid into their accounts as soon as tomorrow (November 1).
According to the government website, the groups who are now not eligible are as follows:
- People living outside of England and Wales
- People who were receiving free care in hospital for the whole week of September 15 to 21 2025, and the year before that
- People who require permission to enter the UK, and who are granted leave, say that you cannot claim public funds.
- People who were in prison for the whole week of September 15 to 21
The Government is also warning pensioners to be mindful of potential scam texts concerning the payments.
If you get a text about the "Winter Fuel Payment" or the "Winter Fuel Allowance", it is a scam
— Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) October 15, 2025
Winter Fuel Payments are automatic, you do not need to do anything
Report suspicious texts at https://t.co/fUeNGxwbqP pic.twitter.com/cAYqBeOxN4
