The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that five distinct groups of state pensioners will not receive the annual Winter Fuel Payment this year, a crucial support of up to £300 designed to help with heating costs during the colder months.
Who is missing out on the payment?
According to official guidance, the key group affected are those who lived in a care home between 23 June and 21 September 2025 and were also in receipt of one of these specific benefits: Pension Credit, Universal Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Charity Age UK has reiterated this rule, stating clearly that residing in a care home during that specific qualifying period while claiming those benefits disqualifies an individual from the payment.
Other reasons for ineligibility
The government has outlined several other scenarios where the Winter Fuel Payment will not be made. You will not be eligible if, during the week of 15 to 21 September 2025, any of the following applied:
- You lived outside of England or Wales.
- You were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire week.
- You were in prison for the whole week.
- Your UK immigration status states you cannot claim public funds.
The DWP further clarifies that you will also be ineligible if both of the following conditions are met: you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or income-related ESA, and you lived in a care home for the whole time from 23 June 2025 or earlier.
Payments for eligible pensioners
For the millions of state pensioners who are eligible for the support, the DWP has confirmed that payments began landing in bank accounts from 1 November. The department has stated that everyone who qualifies should expect to receive their payment during November or December, providing vital financial assistance as winter sets in.
