Warning to all pensioners as up to 10 million miss out on £300 before Christmas

The Winter Fuel Payment has been made means-tested for the first time this year

State pensioners have been cautioned that from November, around 10 million of them could be up to £300 worse off than usual. Traditionally, all pensioners are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, but the government has converted it into a means-tested benefit this year.

Consequently, only those receiving Pension Credit and certain other benefits will receive the cash. The payment is typically issued between November and Christmas, offering assistance in covering energy expenses.

Unfortunately, this means approximately 10 million pensioners will miss out on up to £300 expected annually. To compound matters, this reduction coincides with a surge in energy costs slated for October.

This revision will heavily impact low-income individuals no longer eligible for support, stressing the importance of budgeting for the upcoming months, notably the costliest period when heating usage peaks and Christmas preparations begin. Charities and unions have vehemently criticised the Government's decision, reports Birmingham Live.

Age UK highlighted that nearly two million pensioners who don't meet the requirements might face dire challenges in keeping their homes warm without the winter fuel funds. Payments, which vary between £200 and £300, won't be distributed as per usual.

Age UK voiced strong dissent against the reduction: "We strongly oppose the cut to the Winter Fuel Payment that means only those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will receive it. This will leave millions of struggling pensioners without money they rely on."

"2.5 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it and will be in serious trouble as a result. We're particularly worried about: those on low incomes who just miss out on Pension Credit; those who have unavoidably high energy needs because of disability or illness; the 1 million people who don't receive Pension Credit even though they're eligible for it."