Thousands more pensioners are set to miss out on support with winter energy bills in the years ahead, according to new Government data.
Official forecasts suggest fewer older people will qualify for help as benefit eligibility tightens under recent policy changes.
An estimated 150,000 fewer pensioners are expected to receive Winter Fuel Payments by the end of this Parliament, according to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Forecasts published alongside the Spring Statement 2025 show the number of Pension Credit claimants is projected to fall from 1.365 million in 2025/26 to 1.210 million in 2029/30.
The Outturn and forecast tables: Spring Statement 2025 figures come just months after the Government made Winter Fuel Payments means-tested for the first time, restricting eligibility to those in receipt of Pension Credit.
Previously, the payments were universal, with most pensioners receiving between £250 and £600 to help with winter energy bills.
Under the new policy, introduced from winter 2024/25, only those on low incomes and claiming Pension Credit now qualify.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a changes to WFP last year
GB NEWSThe DWP figures suggest that the recent publicity campaign to boost Pension Credit take-up has not reversed the overall trend, with the number of recipients expected to decline steadily over the coming years.
Steve Webb, partner at pension consultants LCP and former Pensions Minister, said the figures highlight a long-term reduction in support.
"The decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to those on Pension Credit has already taken the payment away from the large majority of pensioners.
"But what may not be appreciated is that as fewer and fewer pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit in future, this will mean fewer pensioners retaining help with their winter fuel payments.
"The recent publicity boost for Pension Credit does not change the long-term downward trend in the numbers receiving the benefit."
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The DWP offers additional pension benefits outside of the state pension PAPension Credit is a means-tested benefit intended to support low-income pensioners. As of April 2025, the standard Pension Credit guarantee provides a minimum weekly income of:
- £227.10 for single pensioners
- £346.60 for couples
The benefit is designed to top up income for those who are over State Pension age and on limited means.
It also acts as a qualifying gateway for other types of assistance, including help with Council Tax, dental treatment, housing costs, and Winter Fuel Payments.
However, despite multiple awareness campaigns, take-up remains low. The Government estimates that around 850,000 eligible households are still not claiming Pension Credit, meaning many miss out on additional support.
Charity Age UK has also expressed concern over the implications of the policy, warning that many older people may now be at greater risk of fuel poverty.
Age UK spokesperson said: "We are very concerned that more older people will be left without vital help to heat their homes during the winter.
The Government has defended the policy as a targeted measure designed to direct support to those most in need
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"Many pensioners on modest incomes just above the threshold for Pension Credit are already struggling. The decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments will add further pressure, particularly with energy prices remaining high."
The charity is urging the Government to improve the visibility and accessibility of Pension Credit and to reconsider the link between Winter Fuel Payment eligibility and benefit receipt.
The Government has defended the policy as a targeted measure designed to direct support to those most in need.
Ministers say it will help prioritise limited resources amid ongoing pressures on public finances.
