6 things to know about the 2024 changes to the Winter Fuel Payment
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The Winter Fuel Payment has been scrapped for millions of older people over pension age. Here’s what you need to know about the changes, and where you can find additional support if you’re worried about rising heating costs.
What are the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment?
Up until now, the Winter Fuel Payment was automatically paid to people of and over pension age to help with their household heating costs. People aged between 66 and 79 would receive an annual payment of £200, while people over 80 years old would receive £300. Last year this payment was boosted by an additional £300 cost of living payment, however there are no plans to make this payment available again this year.
The Labour Government has announced that from this winter (2024/2025) the Winter Fuel Payment will become a means-tested benefit, and only those claiming Pension Credit or certain eligible benefits will receive a payment.
Under the new rules, you’ll now have to receive one of the following qualifying benefits –
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
The Scottish Government’s equivalent scheme – the Winter Heating Payment will also require claimants to be receiving one of the eligible benefits listed above.
1. 10 million pensioners will be affected by the changes
It’s estimated that the changes will see 10 million older people lose their Winter Fuel Allowance this year, and with Ofgem’s energy price rise cap expected to rise by 10%, many MPs and campaigners are concerned this move will make energy bills unaffordable for millions of pensioners.
The danger of cold homes
According to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, around 4,950 excess deaths over winter 2022/2023 were caused by living in cold homes, making it instrumental that other forms of support are available to older people over the winter months.
2. Not all Labour MPs agree with the changes
52 Labour MPs did not take part in the vote to make the Winter Fuel Payment means-tested. One MP who has spoken out against the cut is Rachael Maskell, the MP for York Central. Rachael previously sat down with Elder in 2020 to talk about her work with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ageing and Older People, and the importance of giving older people a voice in Government decisions. She continues to raise awareness of later life challenges.
Speaking to Elder about the Winter Fuel Payment cut, Rachael said –
“I am deeply concerned about the 2m people who are fuel poor, and I continue to urge Government to find a way to protect those who will struggle to keep their homes warm over the winter without the Winter Fuel Payment. In the light that winter is almost upon us, charities and services are calling for a delay in the policy, while other forms of mitigation should be found, including a social tariff or social prescribing, so doctors can prescribe support for fuel bills for people most at risk.”
Many MPs have said they’ve received letters from constituents who are now facing a tough winter. While opposition failed to block the changes in the House of Commons, you can still write to your own MP to voice your own concerns. You can do so by finding your MP here, or joining the Warm this Winter campaign.
3. Only one person over pension age can claim per household
If you do qualify for the payment under these changes, it’s important to be aware that if you live with a partner or spouse who is also of pension age the individual amount will be split between you. You won’t be paid £200- £300 each.
However if your partner is under pension age and is not receiving state benefits themselves, your household may not be eligible for a payment.
4. 880,000 eligible pensioners aren't claiming Pension Credit
Martin Lewis, a financial journalist and the founder of Moneysavingexpert.com has been campaigning to encourage older people to check if they’re eligible for Pension Credit – a key qualifying benefit. Since the changes were announced an extra 20,000 people have already claimed, but there is still a massive shortfall in the number of people who can, but haven’t.
There are a number of reasons why a person may not make a claim. Some may be put off or overwhelmed by filling in the claim form, or lack family or friends who can help submit a claim online. Some may be too proud to make a benefit claim, and some people with conditions such as dementia may not be aware of the benefit or struggle to make a claim themselves. Often some of the poorest and most vulnerable pensioners are among those who are unable to complete the application process.
The average payment of Pension Credit is £3,900 a year, and even if your payment is less than this it’s still a gateway to the Winter Fuel Payment, and many other discounts, including –
- Free TV license
- Council Tax Reduction
- Dental and optical help
If you’re a single person of pension age and have a weekly income of under £235 a week, or are in a couple with a weekly income of £350, It’s really worthwhile calling the Pension Credit helpline to assess if you should make a claim. It’s also important to check in with loved one’s to see if they’re eligible and need help making a claim.
5. Your energy provider may be able to help you with bills
A number of suppliers have schemes in place to help customers who are struggling with energy costs. An energy provider has to help you come up with a solution if you don’t have the funds to cover your bills. They may offer a payment plan to make the amount you need to pay more manageable, or you may be eligible for a grant. Companies including Octopus, Scottish Power, OVO and EDF all have Energy bill assistance funds in place, however you may need to show you’ve sought debt advice before applying, which you can do via Citizen’s Advice.
British Gas also offers a grant scheme that’s available to everyone, meaning you don’t have to be a British Gas customer to access this support.
6. There are other means of support you may be able to claim this winter
- The Warm Home Discount – this is a one-off £150 discount off your household energy bill. It will be available in October and it should automatically be discounted by your energy supplier if you’re in England or Wales. If you’re in Scotland, you’ll need to be on a low income and contact your energy provider to apply for it.
- Household Support Fund – if you’re considered a vulnerable household you may be able to get this support from your local council. Each council runs the scheme slightly differently, so you’ll need to contact yours directly to see if you’re eligible.
- Charitable grants– some charity organisations offer financial support for energy bills and specific cash grants over winter. What’s available to you can depend on lots of different factors, including your location. Turn2Us have an assistance finder tool here.
- The Cold Weather Payment or Winter Heating payment (Scotland) – You may be eligible for a payment of £25 for each week the temperature drops below 0c. You need to be claiming a qualifying benefit to receive it, and it’ll be paid to you automatically.
This winter is expected to be difficult for many older people, meaning it’s even more crucial to check if you’re eligible for some form of support. Rachael Maskell says – “If anyone may qualify for Pension Credit, of which 880,000 people who are eligible but are yet to claim it, I urge them to apply, as this will provide significant support to help them, however those that are worried about how they will be able to heat their homes should speak to their energy companies and local services to see what other help is available. It is vital that older people keep warm, as being cold also exposes people to the risk of poor health.”
Sources –
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2024/07/eligibility-changes-winter-fuel-payment/
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/winter-fuel-payment-labour-pensioners-b2608766.htm
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/struggling-to-pay-your-energy-bills/
https://www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk/4950-excess-winter-deaths-caused-by-cold-homes-last-winter/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC4J4MkKWB4
https://www.mygov.scot/winter-heating-payment/eligibility
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