Winter Fuel Payment update as DWP confirms letters to be sent to 11 million state pensioners 'within weeks'

More than 10 million pensioners are to have their winter fuel payment axed
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that all individuals over State Pension age will be informed about the changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility through a letter starting "from mid-October". Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds MP highlighted that the correspondence will also prompt those with lower incomes to apply for Pension Credit by December 21, 2024, to secure a backdated Winter Fuel Payment.

This year, approximately 10 million pensioners are set to miss out on the Winter Fuel Payment, which ranges from £100 to £300. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced at the end of July that this annual support for heating costs will now only be available to those over 66 who receive means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits (with an annual award of at least £26), or Universal Credit (for mixed age couples).

Responding to Conservative MP Shivani Raja's query regarding how the DWP intends to communicate the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and what alternative financial support is available, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds provided a written answer on Wednesday. She stated: "From mid-October, all pensioners will receive a letter explaining the changes to Winter Fuel Payments this year and encouraging anyone who may be eligible to claim Pension Credit by 21st December."

The DWP Minister has announced a robust communication strategy to inform the public about upcoming changes and encourage Pension Credit uptake. "The Department will proceed at pace with its communication campaign to raise awareness of the changes and to promote Pension Credit. This will be followed by a Paid Partnership and national media campaign. There will then be continued marketing activity promoting the take-up of Pension Credit", reports the Daily Record.

Ms Reynolds highlighted that an extra £421 million is being allocated to extend the Household Support Fund in England for another six months, from October 1, 2024, until March 31, 2025. She noted that additional funding will be available for the devolved administrations through the Barnett formula, which they can use at their discretion.

Ms Reynolds urged individuals to see if they qualify for the Warm Home Discount scheme, which offers a £150 rebate on electricity bills for eligible low-income households in Great Britain, paid directly to energy suppliers. She emphasised: "This winter, we expect over three million households, including over one million pensioners, to benefit under the scheme."

Details regarding Winter Fuel Payments set to be distributed to approximately 1.5 million older people during November and December are accessible on the GOV. UK website.

For those looking to verify their eligibility for Pension Credit quickly, there are resources available. Older individuals, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK.

Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim at 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.