Another big change to Winter Fuel Payments has been revealed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The latest change to the £300 cost of living boost comes after it was announced in July that almost 10 million people who previously qualified for the support now wouldn’t. The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was born before 25 September 1957 to help cover their heating costs.
However, from this winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get the Winter Fuel Payment - those on the credit will get £200 and £300 if someone is over 80. The Treasury said the winter fuel changes would see the number of pensioners receiving the payments fall from 11.4 million to 1.
5 million – so just under 10 million would miss out . They added that about £1.5 billion will be saved per year by targeting winter fuel payments.
As well as that change, the DWP has now updated its guidance, meaning many that previously had to apply to receive their funds now no longer need have to. This includes people with a joint claim to Universal Credit , where one member was over the state pension age. Under the new rules, all households claiming these benefits do not need to apply for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment unless they live abroad: Pension credit Universal Credit Income support Income-based jobseeker's allowance (JSA) Income-related employment support allowance (ESA) Child tax credit Working tax credit Petition against Winter Fuel Pay.