DWP issues NEW update over Winter Fuel Payment backlash and addresses 'scandal'

The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an update over a backlash to its decision to axe Winter Fuel Payments for some state pensioners. DWP minister and Labour Party MP Liz Kendall played down any "tension" in the Commons this week.

Ms Kendall said: "I would like every pensioner who is entitled to Pension Credit, up to £3,900, to get it, yes." And the Labour minister went on, adding: "Regardless, because they are entitled to it. That is what I want to see."

She said: "For me there is no tension because I think it is a scandal that over 800,000 pensioners, the poorest pensioners, are losing up to £3,900 in Pension Credit that they should be entitled to." She continued, adding: " People don't want to claim, they feel a stigma or are ashamed of claiming. The Pension Credit form is very long.

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"We have got more people doing this online now but we have got to solve that and I think it should not be beyond the wit of man or even womankind to actually solve this problem which is why ultimately we have got to make this a much more automatic entitlement. So for me there is no tension because I am going to move heaven and earth to do what I can to stop that because it is not right."

In England and Wales, you can get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2024/25 if all the following apply:

• you were born before 23 September 1958
• you were living in the UK during the 'qualifying week' – between 16 and 22 September 2024
• you were entitled to get Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits during the qualifying week.

In Scotland, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will eventually replace Winter Fuel Payment. But for winter 2024/25, people over State Pension age who qualify will receive a payment in line with the Winter Fuel Payment. This will also be means-tested.