Good news about the Winter Fuel Payment

We’re delighted to share that the Government has announced that 9 million pensioners will now receive the Winter Fuel Payment: an increase of 7.5 million people.

Working alongside thousands of older people, the Age UK network vigorously campaigned to protect the 2.5 million pensioners who were set to lose out again on the payment this coming winter. To have secured the benefit for 9 million older people is a huge win so we are pleased their voices have been heard and that we helped to bring about this turnaround.

The Government have announced that:

• Everyone over the State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment this winter.
• This increased threshold means no lower or middle-income pensioners will miss out, with over three quarters of pensioners in England and Wales receiving the payment: a total of 9 million people.
• The Payment will be paid automatically to everyone over State Pension Age and then clawed back automatically through PAYE or income tax for those whose income exceeds £35,000.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin responded to the Government’s announcement by saying: “This is very good news for older people in Shropshire. It means they can look to the coming winter with increased confidence about keeping warm and I’m sure this is a huge relief to many. I would like to express my thanks to everyone that participated in the campaign and encouraged the Government to change its course.”