Later this year, hundreds of thousands of pensioners are set to receive a £200 payment as part of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme. However, this year, only those on the lowest incomes will benefit from the cash injection.
The new Labour Government has controversially altered the criteria, arguing that many wealthier pensioners don’t require the payment and that aid should be targeted at the most disadvantaged. Those born before 22 September 1958 will qualify for the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, provided they also receive some form of benefits like Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Income Support.
Pensioners over 80 could receive up to £300. The Winter Fuel Payment is intended to assist poorer pensioners with their energy bills during the chillier winter months when heating usage increases.
The payment is typically made automatically to those who meet the criteria and should arrive between mid-November and Christmas. The Government’s decision to reduce the payments this year has sparked criticism from some charities.
While the wealthiest pensioners will no longer receive payments, campaigners argue that many who are not particularly affluent but no longer fall within the threshold will lose out. Age UK has initiated a petition against the Government’s changes, reports Birmingham Live.
The group declared: “The Government has announced that the Winter Fuel Payment will become means-tested in England and Wales. As many as two million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it.”
They further urged: “Sign our petition to save the Winter Fuel Payment for the poorest pensioners.”
