Ellie Ames 05 August 2024

Warning over cuts to Winter Fuel Payment

Warning over cuts to Winter Fuel Payment image
Image: Lopolo / Shutterstock.com

Tens of thousands of older people face a financial cliff-edge because of changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, new analysis has revealed.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced last week that the state benefit, designed to help pensioners with their heating bills, would no longer be universal.

In England and Wales, only pensioners on means-tested benefits like Pension Credit will qualify for the financial support, meaning about 10m people will no longer be eligible.

But Policy in Practice estimated there are also 130,000 pensioners who will miss out because they are just £500 over the income threshold for receiving Pension Credit.

The data analytics company said they could now be better off if they had a lower income because they would be able to receive both Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.

A further 850,000 older people will miss out on the support for heating bills because they are eligible for but not claiming Pension Credit, the firm said.

Policy in Practice founder Deven Ghelani said: ‘Taking the Winter Fuel Payment from better off pensioners is one of the few reasonable ways to save money in social security, particularly as they benefit from the triple lock.

‘However, there really is no excuse for the shockingly low levels of Pension Credit take up as many older people continue to struggle with the cost of living.’

Mr Ghelani urged the Government to make the benefit system simpler and promote proactive support.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Leader - Financial Services

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be joining a friendly, welcoming and supportive Finance team. Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Library and Customer Assistant - WMF3038e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,183 (pro rata)
Are you looking for a role where you can make a real difference? Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Lead Compliance Officer - WMF2113e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£55,119 - £57,362
Predominantly a rural county world famous for its stunning scenery Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Chef

NHS Orkney
Band 3 (£28,011 - £30,230)
As Scotland’s smallest health board, NHS Orkney is driven by a bold vision Orkney and Shetland
Recuriter: NHS Orkney

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner