Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners
We strongly oppose the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment that means only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive it. This will leave millions of struggling pensioners without money they rely on.
2.5 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it and will be in serious trouble as a result. We're particularly worried about:
- Those on low incomes who just miss out on Pension Credit.
- Those who have unavoidably high energy needs because of disability or illness.
- The 1 million people who don't receive Pension Credit even though they're eligible for it.
We’re disappointed that the Government won the vote to continue these plans, but we won’t stop campaigning for every older person who needs support this winter.
Help us save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners.
Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment, with very little notice and no compensatory measures to protect poor and vulnerable pensioners, is the wrong policy choice, and one that will potentially jeopardise the health, as well as the finances, of millions of older people this winter. This is the last thing both they and the NHS need.
Sign our petition to save the Winter Fuel Payment for the poorest pensioners.
If you or someone you know would like to sign the petition offline you can download a paper copy or request that we send one out. Email campaigns@ageuk.org.uk or write to Freepost Age UK campaigns (no stamp required).
What is the Winter Fuel Payment?
Winter Fuel Payment is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before 22 September 1958 (for 2024-25) and, from 2024 onwards, receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 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.
What Age UK is calling for
Given the evidence of the harm means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment will cause the 2 million or so older people who need it the most, the Government should call an immediate halt to the proposal.
Will you support the campaign?
Sign our petition to save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners
If you’d like to get more involved in the campaign, Age UK’s campaigner packs set out what you can do to help.