This winter, Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be available to all pensioners. Instead, they will be means-tested, which will affect millions as Labour implements this change to boost public finances. Burnham and Weston Energy is committed to helping you understand these changes and exploring available support options.
What are Winter Fuel Payments?
Introduced by Tony Blair in 1997, the Winter Fuel Payments were available to anyone in the UK who had reached pension age to help them with the cost of heating bills. Paid annually every winter, the universal payments ranged between £100 and £300. However, in winter 2022-23, up to £600 was provided due to additional cost-of-living payments.
What's changing?
From this winter, Winter Fuel Payments will no longer be universal in England and Wales. Rachel Reeves has announced that only pensioners receiving means-tested benefits will qualify, meaning approximately 10 million people will no longer qualify for the payments.
Who is eligible this year?
To receive Winter Fuel Payments in England and Wales, you must:
- Be over 66 years old.
- Be receiving Pension Credit or other specific means-tested benefits, including:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
This means pensioners claiming the following benefits will not be eligible this winter:
- New style Employment and Support Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- Bereavement Support Payment
- State Pension
- Disability Living Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
First step - Check if you're eligible for pension credit
The first thing anyone affected by the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment should do is check if they’re eligible for Pension Credit. If you are able to claim this benefit, it will now unlock the Winter Fuel Payment. Pension Credit provides extra financial support to low-income pensioners and can unlock other benefits as well. This credit is distinct from the State Pension and is claimable regardless of having other savings, income, or property ownership.
Visit the government website to check your eligibility and apply if needed.
What other support is available?
Burnham and Weston Energy Advice Service:
Burnham and Weston Energy offer a free, expert, independent, one-to-one energy saving service. Maria and Erika, our Home Energy Advisors, can visit you in your home to help you use your energy more efficiently, cut fuel bill costs and install small energy efficiency measures at no cost to you.
If you live in the former districts of Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton, or North Somerset and you’re finding it challenging to keep temperatures in your home at a comfortable level, click here to find out more about how they can help.
Household Support fund
The Household Support Fund is money given to all local councils to support vulnerable households in their area. Councils are free to allocate the funds however they feel is best. Some have provided cash grants, supermarket vouchers, or energy bill assistance. You will need to visit your local council’s website to find out what help may still be available. To find out what support is available, the End Furniture Poverty charity offers a helpful assistance finder tool.