You can get the payment if you were born on or before 27 June 1960 however there are five exceptions
With summer coming to an end and winter fast approaching, many people will already be thinking about how they will be able afford to heat their home during the colder months. This winter millions of pensioners will be eligible to receive between £100 and £300 to help pay their heating bills.
If you were born on or before June 27, 1960, you could be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. However, your eligibility could be revoked if you fall under five categories.
Most people will receive the benefit if they are eligible or not, which led to the HMRC requesting 1.3 million people pay back the benefit this spring. People with an income of more than £35,000 will be requested to return the payment back to the tax authority.
To ensure you don’t incorrectly get the payment you can opt out by either:
You can get the payment if you were born on or before June 27, 1960, and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, but there are some exceptions. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here
When you are not eligible
You will not be eligible if you:
- usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 and the year before that
- need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
- were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026
You can get Winter Fuel Payment if you live in a care home however you will not be eligible if both of the following apply:
- you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- you lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier
