Key Facts

• The winter fuel payment helps pensioners with energy costs during winter.
• New rules mean that only pensioners on low incomes who get pension credit receive the payment.
• The changes started in July 2024, affecting pensioners in England and Wales.
• Over 10 million pensioners missed out on the payment in winter 2024.
• The payment amount is £200 or £300, depending on the person's birth date and benefits received.
• Pension credit acts as a top-up to the state pension and connects to other benefits.
• Many eligible pensioners do not claim pension credit, missing out on the winter payment.
• The government expects more pensioners will fall into relative poverty due to these changes.