The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently rejected proposals in an online petition calling on the UK Government to “reverse” the eligibility rule changes to Winter Fuel Payments and issue the annual heating help to everyone over State Pension age. Despite the response, more than 55,700 people have signed the e-petition which could see the controversial decision debated by MPs.
At 100,000 signatures of support, the Petitions Committee will consider the petition for debate in Parliament and as the number of supporters grow and the petition open until early May, it looks well on its way to achieving this threshold. An estimated 10 million older people will miss out on Winter Fuel Payments of between £200 and £300 in this financial year, including 850,000 Scots.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the policy change at the end of July, saying that the move was necessary to help plug a ‘£22 billion black hole’ left by the Conservative administration. Only people over 66, in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit now qualify for the one-off annual payment.
The DWP started issuing the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payments in November and payments will automatically continue until January 29, 2025.
In a written response to the petition, the DWP said: “The Government has no plans to reverse the means testing of the Winter Fuel Payment but is focusing on increasing Pension Credit take-up to ensure all eligible pensioners continue to receive support.”
Petition creator Michael Brian Anderson argues that the eligibility rule change to Winter Fuel Payments could put the NHS under “more pressure” and grimly warns that “pensioners could die if MPs do not act”.
The petition states: “We want the Government to restore the Winter Fuel Payment to how it was paid last winter immediately. We are concerned that pensioners could die if MPs do not act, and that the NHS could be under more pressure.
“It has been reported that a Labour party analysis published in 2017 said plans to cut the fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners could increase excess deaths by almost 4,000 that winter.”
The DWP responded: “Given the substantial fiscal pressures this year and next, the Government has had to make difficult decisions to bring the public finances under control. This includes the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, so it is better targeted to low-income pensioners who need it.
“To ensure Winter Fuel Payments are received by those on the lowest incomes the Government is determined to do everything it can to maximise take-up of Pension Credit which provides a safety net for pensioners on the lowest incomes and opens the door to other benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment.”
DWP also explained how it has written to around 12m pensioners regarding the change to eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, informing them of the qualifying benefits and encouraging them to check if they may be eligible for Pension Credit and how to make a claim.
DWP added that the UK Government has directly contacted around 120,000 pensioners currently receiving Housing Benefit who may be eligible for, but not currently claiming, Pension Credit.
They said: “We are inviting these pensioners to claim Pension Credit ahead of 21st December so that, thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, they may also be entitled to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
“Not only will those who are eligible retain Winter Fuel Payment entitlement, they will receive an additional £3,900 a year on average through their new Pension Credit award, which provides a passport to other help such as assistance with housing costs, energy bills and a free TV licence for those over 75.”
The official response also outlined other financial support available to older people this winter, which you can read online here.
How to quickly check eligibility for Pension Credit
New claims for Pension Credit are currently taking 50 working days on average to process, which means people submitting an application this month could receive a decision letter by the end of march.
An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock additional financial support, including the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment.
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on GOV.UK here.