The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has sent letters to millions of state pensioners between October 7 and November 4, explaining crucial changes to Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
The letters detail updates to the payment system and urge recipients to check if they qualify for Pension Credit, which would maintain their eligibility for the energy bill support.
The communication campaign comes as part of a significant shake-up to the winter payment scheme, which provides up to £300 in heating bill assistance.
The letters are specifically targeting pensioners who would have received the Winter Fuel Payment under previous rules to inform them about the new eligibility criteria.
Under the new rules, Winter Fuel Payments will only be issued to state pensioners who receive means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit.
The change means around 1.5 million eligible pensioners will receive payments of up to £300 over November and December.
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The DWP is sending pensioners updates about the Winter Fuel Payment
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However, more than 10 million people over State Pension age are set to miss out on the heating bill support this year under the Labour Government's revised eligibility criteria.
Those who successfully apply for Pension Credit before December 21, 2024, may still qualify for a backdated Winter Fuel Payment.
The DWP currently estimates that 880,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit, which provides an average of £3,900 in extra support annually.
Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds explained: "The letters informed customers of the change in eligibility for receiving the payment and urged them to check their potential entitlement to Pension Credit which would provide them with a range of additional benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment."
The DWP has launched an extensive national campaign since September to boost Pension Credit take-up.
The campaign targets both pension-age customers and their families who can support applications.
The department is also directly contacting approximately 120,000 pensioner households currently receiving Housing Benefit who may be eligible for Pension Credit.
Over 160 local authorities have responded positively to support the campaign following outreach from the Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Reeves is under fire for means-testing the allowance Getty/PAA new online petition calling for the immediate reversal of Winter Fuel Payment changes has gathered nearly 10,000 signatures.
The "Reverse changes to Winter Fuel Payment" petition warns that the eligibility changes could put additional pressure on the NHS.
Petition creator Michael Brian Anderson grimly warns that "pensioners could die if MPs do not act."
The petition references a 2017 Labour Party analysis which suggested cutting fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners could increase excess deaths by almost 4,000 that winter.
Upon reaching 10,000 signatures, the petition will receive a government response, while 100,000 signatures would trigger consideration for parliamentary debate.
