Pensioners warned usual December payment will not arrive this year

Pensioners across the UK will have become used to a usual payment which arrives every November or December. It's called the Winter Fuel Payment, is worth either £200 or £300 and helps older people cope with their energy bills.

But for over 10 million pensioners it won't arrive this year. That's because the Winter Fuel Payment is now only targeted at the very poorest pensioners - and has been removed from everyone else.

It means others will have to make their money stretch further this year. While that might be fine for those who are financially comfortable, there are many others who will be struggling to manage.

READ MORE: Automatic DWP £300 payment entering bank accounts - check if you are eligible

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The charity Age UK estimates around two million pensioners no longer getting the payment will be left struggling to heat their homes. People need to be on Pension Credit or certain other benefits in order to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment.

The money will not arrive in bank accounts as it usually would for those who don't meet the criteria. This includes some on low incomes. Age UK said: "The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months.

"The Government announced in July 2024 that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have reached state pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit. If you are over state pension age and receive a qualifying benefit, you could get £200 towards your bills.

"If you are over 80, you could get £300 to help with your bills in winter this year. Payments are made to the person claiming the benefit and are for the household."