Over 221,000 individuals from across the UK have signed an online petition initiated by Age UK, calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to overturn the decision that requires means testing for annual Winter Fuel Payments.
Age UK Campaigns to Protect Winter Fuel Payments Amid Controversial Changes
Following the announcement on July 29, the charity began a campaign aimed at protecting millions of vulnerable State Pensioners who could lose out on essential heating support this year.
The one-off payment is valued between £100 and £300, but in the last two years it has been worth far more — up to £600 — given the inclusion of the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment.
The £300 Winter Fuel Payment is exclusively available to those over 80, whereas the majority of pensioners get £200.
The 'Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners' campaign by Age UK warns that qualifying changes will affect millions of older people who rely on financial support to cope with rising winter prices.
According to the Daily Record, State Pensioners who receive Pension Credit or other income-related benefits are the only ones who will automatically qualify for annual, one-off payments that range from £100 and £300 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
You can view, sign or share the petition on the Age UK Website.
Ofgem is expected to reveal the new energy price cap before the end of August. Energy experts are anticipating a 10% rise on the basic tariff for many families beginning October 1 that will last until the end of the year.
Age UK declared: “We strongly oppose the means-testing of the Winter Fuel Payment because it means as many as 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it and will be in serious trouble as a result.
“Means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment, with no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy choice, and one that will potentially jeopardise the health as well as the finances of millions of older people this winter — the last thing either they or the NHS needs.”
Recently updated guidance on GOV.UK says eligible pensioner households are set to receive letters in October or November revealing the amount of Winter Fuel Payment they will get.
The majority of those who qualify will be paid in November or December. The payment will be deposited on the same bank account the State Pension or other benefits are paid into.
Eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments
Anyone born before September 23, 1958 can get a Winter Fuel Payment this year
Recipients must also reside in England or Wales and receive one of these benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
Who Does Not Qualify for the Payment?
You won't qualify for Winter Fuel Payment if you:
- Reside in Scotland.
- Have been hospitalized and received free treatment for over a year.
- If your UK visa specifies that you can’t claim public funds.
- Were incarcerated during the whole qualifying period of September 16 to 22, 2024.
How Much You Can Get for Winter Fuel Payments
If you are single or live alone:
- £200 for those born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £300 if you were born before September 23, 1944
If you live with your partner
If you and your partner jointly claim any of the benefits, one of you will get a payment of either:
- £200 if both of you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £300 if one or both of you were born before September 23, 1944
If you live in a residential care facility
If you qualify, you will get either:
- £100 if you were born between September 23, 1944 and September 22, 1958
- £150 if you were born before September 23, 1944