What is the winter fuel payment? MSPs favour Swinney's call for winter fuel payments to be restored for all

The First Minister of Scotland wants the winter fuel payment to be reinstated for all (Yui Mok / PA Wire)
The First Minister of Scotland wants the winter fuel payment to be reinstated for all (Yui Mok / PA Wire)

Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have supported John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, in his request that the UK Government rescind its "damaging" decision to implement a means-testing system for the winter fuel payment.

The Scottish Parliament voted by 99 to 14 in favour of a resolution from the First Minister, requesting the Labour Government at Westminster to make a U-turn. The motion was supported by all the parties, including former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard and Alex Rowley, who resigned from the front bench last month.

Mr Swinney said: “Reversing this decision on the winter fuel payment will be a vital step in ensuring our citizens can afford to live in warm homes.”

He also cautioned the UK Government that "more and more people" could question "why it is that a country as energy-rich as Scotland should tolerate such decisions being imposed upon us by Westminster governments" if it does not change the policy and ignores requests for energy market reform.

Following the UK government's decision to stop providing universal winter fuel payments to millions of retirees south of the border, the Scottish government claimed it was forced to introduce means-testing, which limits the payments to individuals who get pension credit. About 900,000 fewer seniors in Scotland are anticipated to receive the payment as a result.

Scottish National Party (SNP) MSP Clare Haughey said: “Today, Anas Sarwar made his choice - it is more important for him to lie down for Sir Keir Starmer than stand up for vulnerable pensioners in Scotland.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar told MSPs that the Labour Government is “not responsible for the chaos and damage inherited from the Tories”.

He said: “This is a decision that the Labour government did not want to make but they are not responsible for the chaos and damage inherited for the Tories. And why the SNP of all people want to minimise the damage the Tories have done is for them to explain.”

Meanwhile, a government spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,700 this Parliament through our commitment to the triple lock. Over a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, and our drive to boost pension credit take up has already seen a 152% increase in claims.

“Many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount to help with energy bills over winter, while our extension of the household support fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”

Here’s what you need to know about the winter fuel payment.

What is the winter fuel payment?

It is a tax-free annual payment the Government provides to help older people with their heating costs during the winter. At present, the payments are a universal benefit for all pensioners — but not for much longer.

Who is eligible for winter fuel payment?

The amount you receive depends on your age and living situation. For example:

From 2024, only pensioners receiving other benefits such as universal credit or pension credit will qualify for the winter fuel payment.

Many have argued that pensioners only receive pension credit if their annual income is below £11,336.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said restricting the winter fuel payment to those on pension credit was “reckless and wrong” and “spells disaster for pensioners on low and modest incomes”.

Age UK said it would fight the decision and have launched a petition.

Scotland no longer provides the universal winter fuel payment for all pensioners. Instead, the Scottish government has introduced the winter heating payment, an annual allowance of£58.75for those receiving certain benefits.

When will eligible people receive their winter fuel payment?

The Government website says most payments are made automatically in November or December.

You’ll get a letter telling you:

  • how much you’ll get

  • the bank account it will be paid into — usually the same one as your pension credit or other benefits.

People who do not get a letter or receive the money in their accounts by January 29, 2025, should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

How to apply if you think you should be eligible for the winter fuel payment

If you think you should be eligible for the winter fuel payment but haven’t received it automatically, you can apply by following these steps:

  1. Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above.

  2. Gather information: Have your National Insurance number, bank or building society details, and the date you were married or entered into a civil partnership (if applicable) ready.

  3. Apply by phone or post: By phone: Call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. The phone number can be found on the UK Government website. By post: Download the claim form from the UK Government website, fill it out, and send it to the address provided on the form.

  4. Submit your claim: Make sure to submit your claim by the deadline, usually around the end of March for that winter season.

Charities such as Citizens Advice or Age UK can advise if you need help completing the form.

When was the winter fuel allowance introduced?

The Labour government of Tony Blair introduced the payment in 1997 to tackle fuel poverty among older people. The goal was to provide financial support to help pensioners with the costs of heating their homes during the cold winter months.

The payment was £20 (or £50 for those in receipt of means-tested benefits).