Who is eligible for the winter fuel payment? The 2026 DWP eligibility rules for the scheme explained

THE government’s winter fuel payment scheme is set to support millions of pensioners across the UK. It will do so by granting them hundreds of pounds to help pay for heating costs when temperatures drop. But who is eligible for the payment? The winter fuel payment scheme is set to support millions of pensioners across the UK Credit: coldsnowstorm But who is eligible for the payment? Credit: PA Which pensioners are eligible for the £300 winter fuel payment? The scheme is set to help pensioners born on or before June 27, 1960 by covering their heating expenses during the winter months. It will only be paid out to those who usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, excluding Scotland as social security and welfare are devolved matters north of the border. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Those who fit into these categories and apply for the scheme could receive anywhere from £100 to £300. That amount is intended to help pay for heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. Those born before June 27, 1960 and usually living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland are eligible for the payment Credit: Getty The amount can be anywhere from £100 to £300 to help pay for heating bills Credit: Getty Upon applying, a letter will be sent to the eligible parties outlining how much money they will receive, with the figure being based on the “qualifying week”. This seven-day period takes place from September 21 to September 27 and an individual’s circumstances during that week massively influences the amount of cash they get. Eligible pensioners will be automatically paid in November or December this year. It’s worth noting that any sum of money gained from the scheme will not affect any other benefits. Most read in The Sun Which pensioners are not eligible for the £300 winter fuel payment? On the other hand, there are factors outlined by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that make certain individuals ineligible for the scheme. Pensioners who usually live outside of England, Wales or Northern Ireland will not receive the payment. Nor will any individual who needs permission to enter the UK and has a granted leave that says that they cannot claim public funds. Any pensioner who was receiving free treatment in hospital for the whole of the previous year – as well as the entirety of the “qualifying week” September 21 to 27 – will be ineligible. Those who were in prison for the whole of the “qualifying week” are also not entitled to the payment. The Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) have made certain people ineligible for the payment Credit: Getty Those who earn over £35,000 will have their payment taken back by the HMRC Credit: Cover Images Moreover, a person living in a care home will not have their heating bills paid for if they both receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), along with having lived in a care home for the whole time from June 29, 2026 or earlier. Finally, the government has ensured that those with a total income of over £35,000 will swiftly have their payment reclaimed by HMRC. Comment now