Save the winter fuel payment

At the end of July, the Government announced that the Winter Fuel Payment will become means-tested in England and Wales.

Only those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive it. This change risks leaving up to 2 million pensioners without vital support to stay warm this winter.

Age UK strongly believe that cutting the Winter Fuel Payment this winter, with virtually no notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy decision. 

Millions of struggling pensioners won’t receive up to £300 they rely on to pay their bills. 

We believe as many as 2 million pensioners who find paying their energy bills a real stretch will be seriously hit by this cut:

• Those on low incomes who just miss out on Pension Credit,
• Those with high energy needs because of disability or illness,
• The 1 million who don’t receive the Pension Credit for which they are eligible. 

The Government should halt their proposed change to the Winter Fuel Payment and think again. 

Join us to protect struggling pensioners this winter. 

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 22 September 1958 (for 2024-25). It's designed to help you cover your heating costs in winter, with households receiving up to £300.  

Households that are eligible normally receive this payment automatically. Read more here.  

You can also check if you're eligible for Pension Credit and find out how to apply here.