Over one million pensioners will still qualify for the Winter Fuel payment. Despite recent cuts to the payment announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves earlier this year, many will still be eligible for the extra money. The Winter Fuel payment aims to provide extra support throughout the winter period.
The Scottish Government has been left with 'no choice' but to end universal fuel payments due to UK plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales https://t.co/X61gJduCPl — The National (@ScotNational) August 14, 2024 Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment: According to the government website, you can receive the Winter Fuel Payment this winter if you were born before September 23, 1958. It is also only available to those living in England and Wales.
Furthermore, claimants must also receive payments for one of the following benefits: Pension Credit Universal Credit income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) Income Support How much you will receive If you live alone, the following rates will apply: £200 if you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958 £300 if you were born before 23 September 1944 If you live with someone, the following rates will apply: £200 if both of you were born between 23 September 1944 and 22 September 1958 £300 if one or both of you were born before 23 September 1944 Payment rates vary depending on when you were born as well as your circumstances during the qualifying week from September 16 to September 22, 2024. Recommended reading: Another Winter Fuel Payment warning issued by campaigners DWP Winter Fuel Payments update as petition approaches 400k Average household energy bill set to skyrocket by 9% soon The Winter Fuel Payment scrap will be "particularly cruel" for older people living in rural Britain David Bean of the Countryside Alliance also raised concerns about the impact on rural communities. Homes in the countryside are likely to be older, draughty, and so difficult to keep warm.
Generally, eligible people will receive a letter in October or November informing them of how much they will receive. Pensioners face 15 per cent energy bill rise More than 50 organisations have written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves over her decision to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for all but a minority of pensioners this winter. The groups, which make up the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said it will result in pensioners not on means-tested benefits seeing a 15 per cent increase in their energy bills this winter.
A letter from the group to the Chancellor said: “The decision to remove the payment to all but a small minority of pensioners will see millions more older people face the prospect of spending this winter in cold, damp homes.”.
