More than nine million pensioners are set to receive hundreds of pounds to help with heating costs this year through the government’s winter fuel payment scheme.The scheme is designed to help pensioners through the colder months and is available for those born before or on 1960 and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.Those who apply could get between £100 and £300 to help with heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. But some pensioners will miss out as a result of the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) criteria. A person qualifies for the benefit if their total income is less than £35,000. For those with an income over this amount who receive the benefit, the government has said HMRC will take back the payment.Those eligible will be automatically paid in November or December this year.There are four other groups of people who are ineligible for the payment:If you usually live outside England, Wales or Northern Ireland If you were in hospital for a whole week in September If you need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says you cannot claim public funds If you were in prison for the whole of the week of 21 to 27 September 2026 Those who live in a care home are still eligible for the winter fuel payment, with one exception. If the individual receives universal credit, pension credit or ESA, and has lived in a care home full-time from 29 June or earlier, then they are not eligible.Rachel Reeves pulled the majority of winter fuel payments during her time as chancellor (PA)The government severely restricted the scheme for the winter of 2024 to only the lowest-income pensioners, before a U-turn last year to once again expand the provision.Get a free fractional share worth up to £100.Capital at risk.Terms and conditions apply.Go to websiteADVERTISEMENTGet a free fractional share worth up to £100.Capital at risk.Terms and conditions apply.Go to websiteADVERTISEMENTHMRC has begun reaching out to more than one million pensioners in the category regarding changes to their 2026/27 tax code that will reclaim the winter fuel payment.The adjustment will see the repayment spread across the entire tax year through the PAYE system. For those under 80, this will mean a deduction of around £17 a month. For those aged 80 or over, it’ll be £25.For those who complete a self-assessment tax return, the payment is now required to be included on forms. Those who file online are likely to see this added automatically.People have until September 20 to opt out of the scheme for this winter.