£300 November warning sent to 10 million state pensioners

Age UK says it is worried millions will be left in "serious trouble" after controversial decision

Around 10 million state pensioners have been warned they will be up to £300 worse off from November. All pensioners would normally get the Winter Fuel Payment but it has been made means-tested this year.

That means only those on Pension Credit and some other benefits will get the cash this year. It is normally paid out between November and Christmas, providing a crucial boost to help pay energy bills.

The result will be around 10 million pensioners missing out on up to £300 they would normally get. And in a double blow, it comes just as energy prices are rising in October.

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It will make it even more important for those on low incomes who will no longer get the support to budget for the months ahead, the most expensive time of the year as households switch the heating on and prepare for Christmas. There has been fierce criticism of the Government's decision from charities and unions.

Age UK says around two million pensioners who don't qualify could be left struggling to heat their homes without the winter fuel money. The payments of either £200 or £300 won't arrive as they usually would, with those who just missed out likely to have become reliant on the annual cash boost.

Age UK said: "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."