The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has withdrawn the Winter Fuel Allowance claim form, effectively preventing state pensioners living abroad from applying for the payment. The DWP updated its official guidance on September 18, removing the form used to claim the Winter Fuel Payment from eligible European countries.
Eligibility Changes for Winter Fuel Payment
The DWP confirmed the change in a statement: “The form to claim a Winter Fuel Payment in the EEA and Switzerland has been removed as people living outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland are no longer eligible.” This follows an earlier removal of the claim form in April, meaning that claimants in the EEA and Switzerland can no longer apply for the winter 2024 to 2025 payment.
Under current DWP rules, you will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or if you were in hospital receiving free treatment for the whole week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the same week in the previous year. Additionally, you will not be eligible if you require permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you cannot claim public funds, or if you were in prison for the entire week of 21 to 27 September 2026.
Who Can Still Claim the Payment
You can still receive the Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home. However, you will not be eligible if both of the following apply: you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and you lived in a care home for the whole period from 29 June 2026 or earlier.
To qualify for the payment, you must have been born on or before 27 June 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Most eligible individuals receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically and do not need to make a claim.
Claim Deadlines and Future Payments
The deadline to make a claim for the winter 2025 to 2026 payment was 31 March 2026. Claims for the winter 2026 to 2027 payment will open from 21 September 2026.
