Winter Fuel Payments are being distributed through autumn and winter, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that five specific groups of state pensioners will not receive the £300 payment. This decision affects certain pensioners even if they earn less than the £35,000 threshold.
According to the DWP, state pensioners who lived in a care home continuously from June 23 to September 21, 2025, and who also receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are ineligible for the payment. Age UK confirms: “You’re not entitled to Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home from 23 June to 21 September 2025 and you receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance.”
Additionally, the government has outlined other circumstances leading to ineligibility. These include living outside England and Wales, being in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire week of September 15 to 21, 2025, or being imprisoned for the entire same week.
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The DWP’s official guidance on gov.uk further clarifies that eligibility is denied if you require permission to enter the UK and your visa states that you cannot claim public funds. Moreover, if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or income-related ESA and lived in a care home continuously from June 23, 2025, or earlier, you won’t qualify for the payment.
For those who do qualify, Winter Fuel Payments will begin from November 1, with all eligible pensioners expected to receive their payment in November or December.