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Some pensioners could miss out on up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payment even if they are old enough to qualify, an expert has warned.
Winter Fuel Payment letters are due to arrive during October and November, telling eligible pensioners how much they are set to receive towards their heating costs.
But simply reaching the required age does not automatically mean someone will receive the payment.
Joe Lytwyn, Personal Finance Expert at thimbl, said there are several other conditions that can affect eligibility – and some pensioners could also have to repay the money after receiving it.
He said: “Age is only one part of the eligibility criteria. Someone could meet the age requirement but still miss out because of where they normally live or their circumstances during the qualifying week.
“That distinction matters for anyone planning their winter budget. Being the right age should not be taken as confirmation that a payment is definitely on its way.”
Pensioners could have to repay Winter Fuel Payment
There is another important warning for those who do receive the payment.
Under the Government's rules, people with total income above £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered by HMRC.
Importantly, a partner's income does not count towards that £35,000 threshold.
This means some pensioners could see the money arrive in their bank account only to have it recovered through the tax system later.
Lytwyn said: “Receiving the money does not necessarily mean someone can keep it.
“Under the Government’s guidance, people with total income above £35,000 will have their Winter Fuel Payment recovered by HMRC. Their partner’s income does not count towards that threshold.
“That could be confusing for someone who receives the payment automatically and assumes it is theirs to spend.
“Understanding whether repayment applies could help them avoid building their winter budget around money they may later have to return.”
How will Winter Fuel Payment be repaid?
HMRC will usually recover the payment through a tax-code adjustment or Self Assessment.
That means pensioners affected could see their take-home income reduced or face an additional amount on their tax bill.
For some people, the impact could be particularly noticeable if they are repaying more than one Winter Fuel Payment at the same time.
Lytwyn said: “Some recipients could also be repaying payments from two winters at the same time.
“The effect will vary according to the amounts involved and the repayment arrangements, but overlapping deductions could put additional pressure on a monthly budget.”
If your income is over £35,000, Winter Fuel Payment is recovered through your tax If you’d prefer not to receive it, you can opt out Deadlines apply this week Find out more: https://t.co/dp9ObW9otz https://t.co/o1xdWoNKmm
— Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) September 15, 2026
What about pensioners living in care homes?
Living in a care home does not automatically rule someone out of receiving Winter Fuel Payment.
The restrictions depend on factors including the benefits they receive and how long they have been living in the care home.
Lytwyn said: “Living in a care home does not automatically mean someone is excluded.
“The restrictions depend on the benefits they receive and how long they have been living there.
“Someone’s individual circumstances matter, so care-home residents and their families may want to check the eligibility guidance before assuming they will or will not receive a payment.”
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What should you check when your Winter Fuel Payment letter arrives?
The letter should tell pensioners how much they are due to receive, allowing them to factor the payment into their winter budget.
But the amount shown is not necessarily the amount they will ultimately be able to keep if they are above the £35,000 income threshold.
Lytwyn said: “The letter should confirm how much someone is due to receive, which could help them plan for winter heating costs.
“However, the payment amount is only part of the picture. Checking whether HMRC recovery applies could give someone a clearer understanding of how much support they can ultimately rely on.”
The Winter Fuel Payment is worth between £100 and £300, depending on individual circumstances.