Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners scrapped unless you're on benefits: here's how to get help with energy bills

Millions of older energy customers will face higher gas and electricity costs than expected over winter, after it was announced that the Winter Fuel Payment will be paid only to those who receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

Up until now, the Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 a year was paid automatically to anyone receiving a state pension. The plan to limit the number of older people who receive the payments was set out by Chancellor Rachel Reeves yesterday.

Pensioners who do receive pension credit or other means-tested benefits will still get the payments. However, they won't be getting a separate cost of living top-up payment this winter, as this scheme ended in early 2024. People on a number of means-tested benefits (not just pensioners) received payments of an extra £300 per year over the winters of 2022/23 and 2023/24.

 The energy price cap is predicted to rise in October, adding a possible £150 per year (£12.50 a month) to a typical household's bill, compared to where it currently sits this summer. 

 For anyone struggling with bills, it's worth checking your eligibility for the Warm Home Discount, a payment made through your energy company to those who struggle to meet their energy costs.

Keep reading to find out if you'll still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment. Or find out how to get help if you're struggling to pay your energy bills.

Who will still get the Winter Fuel Payment?

From this winter (2024/25), you'll need to be over State Pension age and receive one of the following benefits to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment in England and Wales:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit.

If you qualify, the amount you'll get isn't changing. The amount varies depending on your age and circumstances – such as whether you live alone or with someone else. 

Find out how much you are eligible to receive in our guide to the Winter Fuel Payment. 

The Chancellor said: 'The government will continue to provide Winter Fuel Payments worth £200 for households receiving pension credit or £300 to households in receipt of pension credit with someone over the age of 80.'

What is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is to help pensioners afford higher winter energy bills that are a result of trying to keep a home warm.

More than 11 million older people received the tax-free payment in winter 2022/23.

It was paid automatically to those aged over 66 and who got the State Pension or other specific social security benefits. The amount you received depended on your age and whether you lived with someone else, but was not means-tested.

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment.

Can I get pension credit?

If you get pension credit, you will still get the Winter Fuel Payment.

If you don't receive pension credit and the following apply to you, then it's worth checking whether you should be receiving it:

• you're above state pension age
• you're on a low income.

You don't get pension credit automatically; you need to apply for it. 

It's estimated that around 850,000 households aren't claiming pension credit even though they're eligible. That's according to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Make sure you are getting all the grants and support you can — find out how to claim pension credit on the government website.

What other help can I get with energy bills?

If you're struggling to pay your bills but won't get Winter Fuel Payments any more, it's worth checking what else you might be eligible for:

• The Warm Home Discount is a £150 discount on electricity bills for those who find it difficult to meet their winter energy costs (not just pensioners). It's paid through your energy provider, which needs to be part of the scheme. The scheme in Scotland is different from that in England and Wales. It isn't available in Northern Ireland.
• Cold Weather Payments are made to households that get qualifying benefits if the average temperature falls below 0°C for seven days in a row. It's £25 per cold week between November and March. It isn't available in Scotland.
• Some households in Scotland can get a £50 Winter Heating Payment to help with the costs of home heating. You'll need to receive certain benefits to qualify.
• Fuel Direct lets you pay some of your energy bills (among others) directly from your benefits payments if you're struggling to keep up with them.
• Subsidised insulation or replacement boilers are available through your energy supplier as part of the Energy Company Obligation.
• Find out if you could get free insulation or a boiler from your energy supplier.
• Ask for help from your energy company. Many of the biggest have independent charitable trusts that give grants to customers to help them pay for fuel debt.

Contact your energy supplier as soon as possible if you're finding it hard to pay your gas and electricity bills. You might not feel like it but your energy supplier must work with you to agree a payment plan that you can afford. 

Here's what to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bill.