Millions of state pensioners warned they will not get usual bonus payment this year

It's the time of year when pensioners across the UK would normally be getting a boost to their bank balances. But millions will not be getting a special bonus payment this winter.

The Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300, is usually given out to all pensioners during November or December. Older people will have been accustomed to seeing the bonus payment land in their bank accounts before Christmas.

But the majority of pensioners will have to cope without it this year. It follows a controversial decision by the Labour Government to make the support means tested.

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That means pensioners have to be receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits in order to qualify for the cash. The result is around 10 million will miss out, including many on low incomes.

Only the very poorest pensioners will continue to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. But another major issue is hundreds of thousands of older people don't get Pension Credit - a key qualifying benefit for the Winter Fuel Payment - despite being eligible.

Charities like Age UK have slammed the Government's decision and called on them to reverse it. For those who will still receive the payment, it should be entering bank accounts from this week.

But some could still be waiting a while as cash is paid out between mid-November and Christmas. Those who still qualify are advised to monitor their bank accounts so they know when the payment has arrived.