State pensioners to be handed £1,700 each after losing £300 Winter Fuel Payment

The cuts to Winter Fuel Payments will see 10 million pensioners lose the allowance, with only those on Pension Credit or certain Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) benefits still eligible.

State pensioners will receive an extra £1,700 over the next few years due to the government's pension increase under the triple lock system. However, the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments will see 10 million pensioners lose the allowance, with only those on Pension Credit or certain Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) benefits still eligible.

Experts from Spencer Churchill have warned that while the pension boost is positive, many older people will feel the impact of losing this vital winter support. They said: "State pensioners are set to receive an additional £1,700 in their accounts over the course of this Parliament, as part of the government's commitment to protect the triple lock system.

"This ensures that pensions rise by the highest of inflation, wage growth, or a minimum of 2.5%. From April next year, the full New State Pension will increase by £460 annually, bringing it up from £11,502 to £11,962, driven by the recent wage growth surge.

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"While this is good news for many pensioners, it is important to note the significant changes to the Winter Fuel Payment. The number of pensioners eligible for this payment will drop drastically from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million, with only those on Pension Credit or certain means-tested benefits qualifying. This decision is expected to save the government around £1.4 billion this year, a necessary move given the £22 billion deficit in the nation's finances. However, this reduction in support will affect millions of older people, especially those who do not claim Pension Credit but may need it.

"The government has been clear in its intention to continue supporting pensioners, both through maintaining the triple lock and investing £6.6 billion in the Warm Homes Plan. This initiative will upgrade five million homes, improving energy efficiency through measures like low carbon heating and better insulation, which should help cut bills. Additionally, the extension of the Household Support Fund, with an extra £421 million for England, will provide further assistance to those struggling with rising costs this winter.

"It is crucial that pensioners check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit, as around 880,000 individuals who qualify are currently missing out. Pension Credit not only tops up weekly income, but those receiving it will also automatically qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. The Department for Work and Pensions continues to campaign via TV, radio, and social media to ensure that more people are aware of this benefit."