Changes to the support scheme over recent years have been controversial
Rachel Reeves has set out details.
Over-65s with higher incomes will be impacted by new rules around Government support payments.
It surrounds Winter Fuel Payments which are no longer handed out to all pensioners.
The winter allowance is now linked to incomes, with some deemed too well off to qualify.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Treasury have confirmed eligibility rules for winter 2026 and who will get the cash.
The winter fuel allowance is worth either £200 or £300 depending on age.
The cash boost normally enter bank accounts during November.
They provide crucial support to help lower-income pensioners with their energy bills and ensure they can stay warm during the coldest months.
However, changes to the allowance, seen by some pensioners as almost a right, have not gone down well in recent years.
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Over-65s now get to keep the cash if their annual incomes are below £35,000.
Households with higher incomes are judged to be financially comfortable enough to cope without the bonus, with a view money was previously being wasted on these households who didn’t need it.
This is how the support worked last year, with same rules confirmed for 2026.
The Winter Fuel Payment system can be confusing however.
All pensioners are initially handed the payments but it is then claimed back by HMRC from higher earners.
People under 80 get £200 while older pensioners will be handed £300.