Sept 2024
Across the country, around 10 million pensioners in England and Wales are expected to lose their winter fuel payments.
Winter fuel payments were created in 1997 to help everyone above state pension age with their winter heating bills.
From this autumn, those not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will no longer get the annual payments, worth between £100 and £300
In a statement to the House of Commons made on 29th July 2024 the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, abolished the Winter fuel payment for and from Winter 2024, for pensioners not in receipt of a mean tested benefit.
The government has since confirmed that it will not reverse its decision to remove winter fuel payments for pensioners who are not receiving pension credit, despite rising opposition and criticism.
Neil Duncan-Jordan MP, who became the first ever Labour MP for Poole in July, has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling on the government to rethink its move to means-test the winter fuel allowance.
The motion says the proposed reforms are being introduced “without prior consultation or an impact assessment, nor with sufficient time to put in place a proper and effective take-up campaign for Pension Credit.”
Pension Credit
Pension Credit Week of Action comes as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said about 880,000 eligible pensioners are missing out on pension credit, which on average amounts to £3,900 a year.
Pension Credit is a means tested, non-taxable benefit. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit. It is one of the most under claimed benefits as entitlement may vary with a change in circumstances and new entitlement can be overlooked.
It has no savings/capital upper limit, although over £10’000 will be given an assumed income of £1 for every £500 or part of.
To understand your benfeit entitlement please contact us for a full benefit check
Benefits
Other help with heating bills
You could also get:
- a Cold Weather Payment – if you get certain benefits and the temperature drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 days in a row
- the Warm Home Discount – this is a £150 discount on your bills if you get Pension Credit or live in a low-income household
- help from the Household Support Fund, if you’re eligible under your local council’s rules – check on your local council’s website
