An estimated ten million older people will miss out on Winter Fuel Payments after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she was changing the eligibility rules
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rejected an online petition calling for Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated to all state pensioners.
An estimated ten million older people will miss out on Winter Fuel Payments after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she was changing the eligibility rules. Winter Fuel Payments used to be available to everyone over state pension age – but now, you have to be in receipt of certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit.
Labour claims it has been forced into the decision as it needs to fill a £22billion black hole left by the Tories. But charities have warned that it risks pushing millions of older people in poverty this winter. An online petition called for Labour reverse its decision has now been signed by more than 49,500 people.
In a written response to the petition, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: “The Government has no plans to reverse the means testing of the Winter Fuel Payment but is focusing on increasing Pension Credit take-up to ensure all eligible pensioners continue to receive support.”
Petition creator Michael Brian Anderson argues that the eligibility rule change to Winter Fuel Payments could put the NHS under “more pressure” and warns “pensioners could die” if MPs do not act. The petition states: “We want the Government to restore the Winter Fuel Payment to how it was paid last winter immediately.
“We are concerned that pensioners could die if MPs do not act, and that the NHS could be under more pressure. It has been reported that a Labour party analysis published in 2017 said plans to cut the fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners could increase excess deaths by almost 4,000 that winter.”
The DWP responded: “Given the substantial fiscal pressures this year and next, the Government has had to make difficult decisions to bring the public finances under control. This includes the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, so it is better targeted to low-income pensioners who need it.
“To ensure Winter Fuel Payments are received by those on the lowest incomes the Government is determined to do everything it can to maximise take-up of Pension Credit which provides a safety net for pensioners on the lowest incomes and opens the door to other benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment.”
You must be over state pension age and have been claiming one of the following benefits between September 16 and September 22, 2024 to get a Winter Fuel Payment this year:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
