Thousands of pensioners to lose Winter Fuel Payment after DWP change | Personal Finance | Finance

Steve Webb, partner at pension consultants LCP and former Pensions Minister, said the Government’s figures indicate a long-term reduction in state support.

He said: “The decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to those on Pension Credit has already taken the payment away from the large majority of pensioners.

“But what may not be appreciated is that as fewer and fewer pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit in future, this will mean fewer pensioners retaining help with their Winter Fuel Payments.

“The recent publicity boost for Pension Credit does not change the long-term downward trend in the numbers receiving the benefit.”

An Age UK spokesperson said: “We are very concerned that more older people will be left without vital help to heat their homes during the winter.

“Many pensioners on modest incomes just above the threshold for Pension Credit are already struggling. The decision to restrict Winter Fuel Payments will add further pressure, particularly with energy prices remaining high.”

Despite campaigns to reduce the number of people eligible for Pension Credit that are failing to claim their entitlement, there remains an 850,000 households not benefitting from the support when they could be, according to Government figures.