10.8 million pensioners in 7.6 million households in England and Wales received the Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/2024.  The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that 1.5 million individuals in 1.3 million households in England and Wales will still receive a payment for winter 2024/2025. 

Concern from support groups

Age UK’s (national) Chief Executive Paul Farmer acknowledges that, whilst many older people have financial security and don’t need it, there are about 2 million who do need it. He highlights three categories of vulnerable pensioners:

• The 800,000 pensioner households who are eligible for Pension Credit but aren’t receiving it – perhaps because they don’t know they’re eligible, don’t want to ask for help or don’t realise how much they might have to gain from applying.  Some may also find it difficult to fill in the application form if applying on paper or online. 
• Around a million people may find themselves just above the threshold for eligibility for Pension Credit and won’t be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment - but for whom £300 each winter would make a big difference. 
• Older people whose health conditions mean they need to stay warm to stay well, and who rely on extra funds to cover those costs. 

Ann Donkin, interim Chief Executive of Age UK Norfolk, has described the move as “ill-timed and ill-judged”, saying it will hit those who use heating oil particularly hard.  The Rural Services Network is also concerned about the impact, campaigning on the unique challenges faced by rural areas, where many older people are already struggling with limited incomes and the rising cost of living. 

Rik Martin, Chief Executive Officer of Community Action Norfolk, says

"At CAN, we've been regularly commissioned over the years by Citizens' Advice to deliver energy bills advice and awareness sessions to consumer and professional group, and are doing so this autumn and winter. The withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment underlines the need for everyone to keep up to date with ways of reducing their energy bills."

There are criticisms of the existing Winter Fuel Payment anyway. It is said to be poorly targeted, and the government’s proposal does address that.  Other options for reforming the Winter Fuel Payment have been suggested, in addition to means-testing the payment, such as introducing a mechanism for withdrawing it from higher income pensioners or taxing it. Read more here 

Understanding Pension Credit 

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible. It’s worth an average £3,900 a year and may open doors to further financial help, such as housing costs, council tax, and heating bills, and the Winter Fuel Payment itself.  And pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible – with DWP’s online calculator able to work out how much an individual could get. Higher incomes may still be eligible for Pension Credit for disabled people, carers; and personal savings are not a barrier to applying.  Find out how to claim here.

What can be done now? 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)  is encouraging eligible households not receiving the benefit to apply for it by 21st December. The government also intends to speed up plans to introduce a housing element in Pension Credit, to replace Housing Benefit for people above State Pension age. Find out more at Pension Credit awareness drive.

Where can I get advice and help? 

Here at CAN we’re delivering free, in-person and on-line awareness and advice sessions.  If any of the following applies to you, do join one of our sessions. 

The loss of the Winter Fuel Allowance affects your clients / service users 

If you work with people who might be worried about their energy bills, we have sessions for frontline staff and volunteers where you can find out about the impact of fuel poverty, ways your clients / service users can reduce their energy bills, and most importantly, sources of help and advice.  To book a free session for your team, please email Steve.

You are worried about your energy costs 

You can find out how to be more energy efficient and reduce your bills by making small changes in the home. Join us online on Tuesday 1st October or Monday 7th October.  We can also offer one-to-one support after the session to look at your options.  For more information, please email Steve. 

You live in an oil heated property 

As well as attending one of our Energy Awareness sessions (mentioned above) you can also join CAN’s own collective oil buying scheme ThinkingFuel  

And if you’d like us deliver an on-line or in-person session to your organisation or community group just get in touch.  

Visit here to read more and to book your place or email steve.nunn@communityactionnorfolk.org.uk or call 01362 545024.