By Bethany Gavaghan,James Rodger
Copyright walesonline
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disclosed the categories of state pensioners who will not be eligible for the £300 Winter Fuel Allowance when it is issued. Six groups in total have been identified as ineligible. It has been announced these include individuals residing outside England and Wales, those hospitalised and receiving free treatment during the week of 15 to 21 September 2025, and those needing permission to enter the UK with granted leave stating they cannot claim public funds. Ineligibility also extends to those incarcerated during the week of 15 to 21 September 2025, residents of care homes, and recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Additionally, those who have lived in a care home continuously since 23 June 2025 or earlier will not qualify. This news comes as Ofgem confirms another increase in energy bills, although there are methods available to reduce these costs. Assistance is also on hand for those finding it difficult to meet their gas and electricity payments. The Ofgem energy price cap is set to rise from £1,720 per annum to £1,755 for the average dual fuel household paying by direct debit from October. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here Winter Fuel Payments from the DWP are cash payments worth £200 for qualifying households, or £300 for those with someone aged over 80, reports Birmingham Live These payments are made to pensioners born before 22 September 1959, with the disbursements typically commencing from November. Even if your earnings exceed £35,000, you will still receive the payment, but it will need to be repaid through the tax system. You have the option to decline the payment entirely. The income threshold is determined on an individual basis. For instance, if you earn £30,000 a year and your partner earns £40,000, one person would retain their portion of the Winter Fuel Payment while the other would repay it.
