Tue, 16 Sep 2025

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 Winter fuel payments stopped for 9.3 million people before government U-turn

Official data shows the number of people who received winter fuel payments after now-reversed government cuts.
Winter Fuel Payments
* In 2023, only 1.3 million people received winter fuel payments, down from nearly 11 million in previous years.
* The cut was due to a means-test introduced by the government, but this policy has since been scrapped.
* As of this winter, more than three-quarters of pensioners (around 9 million) will be eligible for the payment.
* The payment is worth up to £300 per household, with those aged 80 or older receiving £300 and those up to 79 years old receiving £200.
* In Scotland, the payment will be increased in line with inflation. Pension Credit Take-Up
* Over 57,000 extra pensioner households were awarded pension credit, worth an average of £4,300 per year. State Pension Increase
* A hint has been given about a likely rise in the state pension next April.
* The government has reaffirmed its commitment to the triple lock.
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