New DWP rule means state pensioners will lose £300 from this week

A Department for Work and Pensions rule change from this week means Winter Fuel Payments won't be paid to millions of pensioners. State pensioners are set to miss out on £200 or £300 Winter Fuel Allowances after a DWP shake up under the new Labour Party government.

It comes after Scottish Labour vowed to force a vote on reinstating the £300 sums. The payouts began on Monday, and the PM's own party north of the border is campaigning to widen the scope of the payments that were axed for millions of pensioners following the election.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the payments would be means-tested within weeks of taking power. Last week Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for redesigned payments, saying it would lower the bar for getting them if it wins the 2026 Holyrood election.

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And the party announced yesterday it will try to force a Holyrood vote during stage three of the Social Security (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. Scottish Labour's social security spokesman Paul O'Kane said: "Scottish Labour has been clear that if wins the 2026 election, we will reinstate the winter fuel payment for thousands of pensioners – but people shouldn't have to wait that long.

"Next week will we have an opportunity to take a different approach in Scotland and ensure that every pensioner who needs a payment gets one. Across the UK Labour is cleaning up the mess left behind by the Tories, but Scotland needs a change of direction too.

"The SNP has offered a lot of warm words on Winter Fuel Payments, so it would be a gross betrayal if the SNP fails to back these amendments. Already the SNP has failed to pass on to £41 million of support intended for the most vulnerable people in Scotland this winter.

"We have the money and the powers we need – now is the time for action."