Pensioners slam Winter Fuel Payment changes as DWP issues new update on who can claim £300
The DWP has released an update regarding which retirees can apply for the payment.
Revised: 2:36 PM BST, September 30, 2024
Retirees have criticized the government for altering the Winter Fuel Payment while energy costs continue to climb.
In July, Rachel Reeves declared that the payment would be given only to individuals who are receiving pension credit or other benefits based on their income, such as universal credit.
The yearly tax-exempt payment, ranging from £100 to £300, was established to assist older adults with their winter heating expenses.
Rising costs ahead: The Labour Party plans to eliminate winter fuel payments even though energy expenses are expected to increase this winter.
Before, anyone who had reached the age to receive a state pension and resided in Britain could receive the payment, regardless of their savings or any private pensions they had. This included individuals who had not contributed to National Insurance as well.
According to recent data from the Department of Work and Pensions, a record number of individuals received the Winter Fuel Payment last year.
A total of 11.6 million people received the payment, which is an increase of 214,000 from the previous year, 2022/23.
According to Age UK, around 2.5 million elderly individuals who urgently require financial assistance to keep warm during the winter months will not receive any support, placing them in a difficult situation.
The DWP has released new information regarding the pensioners who can apply for the payment.
Starting today, eligible pensioners residing overseas can request the £300 payment by mail.
However, only retirees who receive pension credit or a similar benefit in their country will qualify.
Several retirees have turned to social media to express their frustration and anger toward the government.
One person expressed: "Get Starmer out, along with any MPs who supported cutting winter fuel payments. It looks like this party is targeting the elderly and those who are vulnerable and unwell. It's disgraceful."
Starmer should go, along with any MPs who voted to eliminate the winter fuel payment. This party appears to target the elderly and vulnerable individuals, which is quite disgraceful.
Someone else commented: "What was your stance on the winter fuel payment?... Oh right, you chose to cut it for seniors!"
Reeves eliminated the payments in an effort to save around £1.4 billion before the Autumn Budget is presented next month.
Nonetheless, charities and retirees are strongly encouraging her to reconsider the plan due to the increase in energy prices as winter approaches.
Starting tomorrow, Ofgem will increase the energy price cap to an average of £1,717 per year. Although this is significantly lower than the peak of £4,279 in January 2023, it is still considerably higher than the rates seen before 2022, which typically ranged from £1,100 to £1,300 annually.
Recent figures from Ofgem indicate that energy-related debt has climbed to £3.7 billion.
A representative from the End Fuel Poverty Coalition stated: "As we enter the fourth winter of extremely high energy costs, the typical household will have spent over £2,500 more on energy than if we hadn't been so affected by unstable energy markets."
For seniors who used to get the winter fuel payment but will no longer be eligible due to the Chancellor's new regulations, things are looking even more challenging.
Some have raised concerns about how scrapping the winter fuel payment could adversely affect the NHS as well.
Jan Shortt, the general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, stated, "The elimination of the winter fuel allowance for most seniors clearly places them in danger. It's a well-established fact that older adults need warmth and a consistent temperature to stay healthy."
Residing in chilly, humid houses increases the likelihood of strokes, heart problems, and respiratory illnesses, while also negatively affecting overall health.
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