More than 351,000 people have signed Age UK’s online petition calling for the UK Government to reverse the new rule. More than 351,000 people from across Great Britain have signed an online petition created by Age UK urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reverse the decision to make annual Winter Fuel Payments means-tested from this year. Shortly after the announcement last month, the charity launched the online campaign to help protect millions of State Pensioners set to miss out on seasonal heating support.
Any official response to the petition is not expected until Parliament sits again on September 2, however, that isn’t stopping supporters smash regular signature goals on the Age UK website . In a new plea for support on social media, the charity said: “The Winter Fuel Payment will be the difference between eating and heating for many struggling pensioners this winter. The Government must save this vital payment.
” The one-off payment is worth between £100 and £300, however for the past two years it has been worth a lot more - up to £600 - due to the addition of the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. It’s important to be aware that only people aged over 80 receive the £300 Winter Fuel Payment , most pensioner households receive £200. Age UK’s ‘Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners’ petition warns the eligibility change will impact millions of older people who rely on the extra financial support to help cover the costs of higher bills duri.