Pensioner, 72, will 'have to go without' as he loses Winter Fuel Payment

A pensioner struggling with over £9,000 of debts has expressed his concerns about having to forego some essentials this winter as he loses his Winter Fuel Payment. Mark, a 72 year old from Nottingham, whose name has been changed, receives some private and state pension payments.

However, under the new rules set for this winter, he won't get the payment as he doesn't claim a qualifying means-tested benefit. The local authority tenant admitted that he has "found the last two years difficult".

He now faces another tough winter without the payment, which is currently worth £200 or £300. He cautioned: "I will have to go without something in the winter. Simple as that. I was struggling last year as I didn't get it (Winter Fuel Allowance) until February."

Mark has voiced his support for a campaign advocating for the payment to be reinstated as a universal state pension age benefit. Expressing his disappointment with the Labour party, Mark said: "If there was an election tomorrow, I'd vote Conservative and I've been a working man all my life. He (Keir Starmer) has let a lot of people down to be honest."

Currently, Mark's debts amount to over £9,100 and he is uncertain about how he will manage in the upcoming months. Last year, he had to depend on family support to make ends meet.

Sebrina McCullough, director of External Relations at Money Wellness, encouraged pensioners to check if they could receive more Government support, as they are among the least likely to claim all the benefits they are entitled to. She issued a warning: "Many are unaware or unsure how to check what they should be getting this is why so many are missing out on Pension Credit and therefore the winter fuel allowance this year. We would urge struggling pensioners to find out if they're missing out.

"They can do this using our free online tool or by calling us on 0161 518 8285 and we'll complete the assessment for them." Ms McCullough highlighted that pensioners who solely rely on their state pension are particularly at risk.

The full new state pension currently stands at £221.20 a week, while the full basic state pension pays £169.50 a week, but many pensioners do not receive the full amounts. The pensions expert stated: "One in five pensioners live on the state pension alone, making them some of the most financially vulnerable members of society.

"They are completely reliant on a small, fixed monthly income and are therefore most exposed to increases in the cost of living. Around 5 percent of all the people we help are pensioners.

"We're supporting 200 a month on average who solely rely on the state pension as income. And it's important to point out that many of these have higher living costs than younger generations because of illnesses associated with older age."