Winter Fuel Payment Changes

The new Labour Government is removing automatic Winter Fuel Payments for those not on mean-tested benefits. Millions of Pensioners who should be on, or just miss out on qualifying, means-tested benefits are at risk as a result.

 Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell join Age UK (the national charity) in calling for this change to be halted and the policy to be looked at again before it affects a potential 2 million pensioners health which neither they nor the NHS should be having to deal with.

 Earlier today Age UK Birmingham CEO, Steve Thomson was interviewed by Free Radio in which he stated the underlining potential risk this change makes and called on the new government to halt this ill-considered change. “This change in national policy will adversely affect millions of older people, this change will coincide with a time when we are expecting to see an increase in energy prices just as this support will be withdrawn for millions. No older person should have to make choice putting food on their table or choosing to heat their home at any time, but especially not in the winter.”

 Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK (the national charity), said:  "We strongly oppose the means-testing of Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) because our initial estimate is that as many as two million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it and will be in trouble as a result – yet at the other end of the spectrum well-off older people will scarcely notice the difference – a social injustice."

 You can read more of the statement at: Age UK responds to the Chancellor’s announcement to means test the Winter Fuel Payment.

We at Age UK Birmingham and Age UK Sandwell would strongly encourage all those who get the state pension, and are able to claim Pension Credit who currently do not, get in contact with your local Age UK, to get a full benefits check. We can help work out if you are likely to be eligible and give you a hand with your application. Pension Credit can also unlock other benefits or help such as Council Tax Assistance, and Housing Benefit, all of which can further help with the cost of living.

You can call Information and Advice on 0121 437 0479, email info@ageukbirmingham.org.uk - our main general enquiries line is also on 0121 437 0033.