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

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner