Number of winter fuel payments fell by 9m last year

The government’s decision to means-test winter fuel payments led to a sharp drop in the number of people getting support last year.

In July 2024, the government confirmed that winter fuel payments would be limited to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

According to new official figures, this led to the number of pensioners getting support falling from 11.5 million in 2023 to 1.3 million last year.

More pensioners will get winter fuel payments this year

The decision to make winter fuel payments means-tested rather than a universal benefit proved extremely controversial - and the government has since revised the policy to ensure more people get support this year.

Under the new system, 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.

The government has also confirmed that while more people will be eligible for help this winter, it won’t reintroduce universal support.

Find out what support you can get

Winter fuel payments aren’t the only support you can get if you’re struggling to keep up with your bills.

For example, you might be eligible for benefits like:

• housing benefit
• council tax discount
• free TV licence if over 75
• warm home discount scheme

Try our free benefits calculator to find out if you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to receive.

Or give us a call and we’ll have a look for you. 

It's also worth checking out our guide to energy bill support for more tips on what other help is available and how to reduce your costs even further.