This article outlines:
- the likely consequences of the new rules
- who is still eligible for the WFP?
- can you get Pension Credit?
- other possible forms of financial help
Likely consequences of the new rules
The new WFP regulations limit payments of the allowance to those older people who receive pension credit and certain other means tested benefits.
The new rules were voted thorough by MPs on 10 September.
However, the Government only published three days afterwards a DWP “equality analysis” of their effect – which they only published after their hand was forced by a Freedom of Information Act request.
The Government acknowledges that the changes to eligibility for the WFP is expected to reduce number of claimants in England and Wales by more than nine million.
The DWP analysis says that nine in 10 pensioners aged between 66 and 79, and eight out of 10 over-80s, would lose their allowance.
Since those over 80 receive a higher payment – £300 as opposed to £200 – they will take the greatest financial hit, the document said.
The analysis also revealed that although Disabled people may be more likely to retain the payment, 71% - 1.6 million - would still lose their entitlement, despite their often-greater dependence on heating their homes.
In addition, of the 880,000 pensioners entitled to pension credit but who do not claim the benefit, only 100,000 are expected to sign up to it because of a new government campaign, meaning about 780,000 pensioners on low incomes will continue to miss out.
Although the cuts to the WFP are sweeping, aimed at saving £1.5 billion, the Government has not carried out an impact analysis so has no evidence base to judge their likely damaging and dangerous effects.
However, the increased resulting risk of many more older people dying this winter is very real.
The Labour Party’s own research from 2017 reported that the then Conservative Government plans to scrap the WFP for “better-off pensioners” could lead to almost 4,000 additional deaths.
Removing the WFP from low-income Disabled pensioners risks people being forced to switch off heating or deciding not to charge health-related or mobility equipment.
The Prime Minister recently said that the impact of the WFP cut “will be mitigated by pension credit, by the housing benefit”.
He should know that it will not - housing benefit receipt alone does not bring entitlement to the WFP. Making such a misleading statement shows an ignorance of his own reforms.
Especially with commissioning no impact assessment, DR UK says that the Government should make an urgent U-turn on the WFP cuts:
“Next month, unit prices for gas will increase by 14% in October 2024 and electricity by 10%. Typical bills under the September to December 2024 price cap will be over 30% higher than in winter 2021/22.
Removing the WFP from low-income Disabled pensioners risks people being forced to switch off heating or deciding not to charge health-related or mobility equipment.
Unless the dangerous WFP cut is reversed, older Disabled people, many of whom have at least one age-related impairment or serious medical condition, will struggle to heat their homes and power essential equipment needed for health and mobility.
The increase in poverty will bring fear and anxiety, hunger and cold, and contribute to an excess of winter deaths.”
Who can still get a Winter Fuel Payment?
You may be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment in the winter of 2024-2025 if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you were born on or before 22 September 1958
- you 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
- you were living in England or Wales for the qualifying week.
The qualifying week is the week beginning from the third Monday in September. This is 16 to 22 September 2024.
Can I get Pension Credit?
Pension Credit comes in two parts. You might be eligible for one or both parts.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level.
Savings Credit is extra money if you've got some savings or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension. It's available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
By claiming Pension Credit, you might become eligible for other benefits too, such as help with health and housing costs.
Receipt of either Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit gives eligibility for the WFP.
More information on how to claim pension credit and a calculator to check if you may be eligible is available here.
Some other possible sources of financial help
The Warm Home Discount scheme is a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter if you're living on a low income or pension. Information on eligibility and how to claim is here.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a non-means benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. Information on eligibility and how to claim is here.
Age UK has also published a detailed Help with heating costs factsheet.