Thousands of pensioners to lose Winter Fuel Payment under Labour after major DWP change.uk
Labour’s changes to the Winter Fuel Payment means 150,000 people will soon be without the key benefit, according to the Government’s own figures.
More than 100,000 pensioners will not be able to claim the crucial benefit (Image: Getty)
By the end of 2030, 150,000 fewer pensioners will be able to claim the Winter Fuel Payment, according to the Government’s own figures.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under Liz Kendall no longer hands out Winter Fuel Payments to all pensioners, but instead restricts the benefit to those on Pension Credit. However, by the end of this Parliament the number of people eligible for Pension Credit will have fallen dramatically. Forecasts published alongside the Spring Statement 2025 show that the number of Pension Credit claimants is expected to decline from 1.365 million in 2025/26 to 1.210 million in 2029/30. In turn, that means the number of elderly Brits able to get help with their winter fuel bills will also fall
Liz Kendall speaks during Labour Party Conference in 2024 (Image: Getty)
Steve Webb, partner at pension consultants LCP and former Pensions Minister, said the Government’s figures indicate a long-term reduction in state support.
He said: “The decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to those on Pension Credit has already taken the payment away from the large majority of pensioners.
“But what may not be appreciated is that as fewer and fewer pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit in future, this will mean fewer pensioners retaining help with their Winter Fuel Payments.
“The recent publicity boost for Pension Credit does not change the long-term downward trend in the numbers receiving the benefit.”
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An Age UK spokesperson said: “We are very concerned that more older people will be left without vital help to heat their homes during the winter.
“Many pensioners on modest incomes just above the threshold for Pension Credit are already struggling. The decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments will add further pressure, particularly with energy prices remaining high.”
Despite campaigns to reduce the number of people eligible for Pension Credit that are failing to claim their entitlement, there remains an 850,000 households not benefitting from the support when they could be, according to Government figures.
