With winter fast approaching, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has clarified who won’t be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year. While millions of pensioners in England and Wales will benefit from up to £300 to keep warm, some groups will miss out. Want to see if you’re affected?
Here’s a quick rundown of those who won’t receive this support:
1. **Living Abroad**: If you live outside England and Wales, you’re not eligible.
2. **Long Hospital Stays**: Those who were in hospital receiving free treatment for the entire qualifying week won’t get the payment.
3. **Immigration Status**: If your UK visa states you can’t claim public funds, you won’t qualify.
4. **Prison**: Being in prison for the whole qualifying week disqualifies you.
5. **Higher Income**: Earning over £35,000 a year means no payment for you.
For those in care homes, note that you won’t be eligible if you’ve been living there all year and are receiving certain benefits like Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support.
Good news for many – if you’re already receiving State Pension or other benefits like Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, you should automatically get your payment.
Heads up that if your income tops £35,000, the payment might get reclaimed by HMRC later!
Stay informed and keep warm this winter, folks! 🌨️🏠✨