The UK is officially in the midst of autumn, with the colder winter months looming quicker than we may think. Some are excited to welcome winter and the upcoming holidays, but for others, it means higher utility bills. Tensions are rising as the DWP names the group that misses out on Winter Fuel Payments, which means less money to keep the heat on this upcoming winter. Not everyone will be seeing these payments, will you? Find out today who will be affected by the DWP’s announcement.
Not everyone will see the Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) names the group that misses out on Winter Fuel Payments this winter. The announcement will be a blow to the millions of vulnerable pensioners who rely on this additional source of income, especially as they are more susceptible to hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses, as per a report by Age UK.
According to Cambridgeshire Live, in England and Wales, nearly 9 million pensioners will qualify for the DWP’s Winter Fuel Payments this upcoming winter after a complete Government change was announced on 11 June 2025. However, while more pensioners will be receiving the payments this year, one particular group will still be missing out on these vital payments.
The DWP names the group that misses out
The payment date has been confirmed for the first group, which means, if you meet all the eligibility criteria, you could receive your money soon. If you were born before 22 September 1959 and your annual income is £35,000 or less, then you will be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. Not everyone will receive the same amount from the scheme, but eligible pensioners can expect payments between £200 and £300 this winter.
Payments are distributed automatically to eligible pensioners. Unfortunately, according to a report by Manchester Evening News, pensioners who reside in care homes must meet specific eligibility requirements. If you reside in a care home, the DWP will find you ineligible when the following two conditions apply:
- You have been residing in a care home since, or before, 23 June 2025
- You are a benefits recipient of the following
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Another group that will miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment
To receive the Winter Fuel Payments, you must be of State Pension age. Unfortunately, it is the end of the 66 retirement era. From 2026 onwards, anyone who was born on 6 April 1960 or later will have to wait until the age of 67 to qualify for the State Pension. This change will result in several people missing out on up to £12,849. What’s more, this change will directly impact the Winter Fuel Payment.
Not everyone will see the Winter Fuel Payment next year. Only people who are of state pension age in the qualifying week in September will receive a Winter Fuel Payment. This means that anyone who does not reach the required age by approximately 27 September 2026 will lose out on the vital additional winter income. It is a massive blow to several seniors who now have to change their retirement plans.
The State Pension age is expected to change periodically, especially as life expectancies continue to increase and the population continues to grow older. Unfortunately, these changes do not truly benefit the people who rely on the State Pension and schemes such as the Winter Fuel Payment the most. Not everyone will be seeing the Winter Fuel Payment, but hopefully you will. If you have any questions or remain uncertain about the Winter Fuel Payment, please view the official information from the UK Government on the Winter Fuel Payment.
Disclaimer: Our coverage of one-off payments, support payments, tax reliefs, tax refunds, tax credits and other payments is based on the official sources listed in the article. All payment amounts and dates, as well as eligibility requirements, are subject to change by the governing institutions. Always consult the official source we provide to stay up to date and obtain information for your decision-making.
