75% of pensioners to get winter fuel payment

More than three-quarters of pensioners in England and Wales will be eligible for winter fuel payments this year.

Since last year, winter fuel payments have been limited to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

But following widespread criticism, the government recently suggested it would review the policy again.

Pensioners with income of £35,000 or below will get payment

The government has now confirmed that everyone over the state pension age with an annual income of £35,000 or less will get a winter fuel payment.

This means that more than nine million pensioners will be eligible for help with their bills this winter.

Payments will be made automatically, so eligible pensioners won’t need to take any action.

Winter fuel payments will remain at £200 per household, or £300 per household where there is someone over 80.

Payment ‘isn’t a bonus for struggling pensioners’

Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, has welcomed the announcement, saying it will offer “vital help as energy bills remain stubbornly high”.

“Around 1.9 million older households are living in fuel poverty,” she commented.

“And for many, this payment isn’t a bonus - it’s essential to staying warm through the winter.”

But while Ms Lamb called the announcement a “step in the right direction”, she warned that changes to benefits can create anxiety, especially for older people.

“It’s crucial that HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions communicate clearly and make the process for repayment or opting out simple and stress-free,” she said.

“For the 800,000 eligible pensioners missing out on pension credit, clarity is key so they don’t miss the support they’re entitled to.”

No pensioner on a lower income will miss out, says chancellor

“Targeting winter fuel payments was a tough decision, but the right decision because of the inheritance we had been left by the previous government,” said chancellor Rachel Reeves.

“It is also right that we continue to means-test this payment, so that it is targeted and fair, rather than restoring eligibility to everyone including the wealthiest.

“But we have now acted to expand the eligibility of the winter fuel payment so no pensioner on a lower income will miss out.”