Pensioners across the UK may soon get extra help with heating bills after Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed plans to reverse some of the controversial cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme. The move is expected to make more low-income pensioners eligible for the benefit worth up to £300.

While full details haven’t yet been released, the announcement has raised hopes that changes will be made before the upcoming winter, giving extra support to elderly households struggling with energy costs.

What Is the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a government-funded benefit provided to older people to help with rising energy costs during the winter months. The payment can range from £100 to £300, depending on your circumstances, such as age and whether you live alone.

Currently, only certain pensioners qualify, particularly those who:

• Are over State Pension age
• Have an income below £11,500 a year
• Are receiving Pension Credit or other related benefits

What Has Changed?

Labour had introduced strict income thresholds last year, limiting support to pensioners on very low incomes. However, after a wave of criticism and growing pressure, Keir Starmer has promised a rethink of the eligibility rules.

Although a complete return to universal payments is unlikely, the income limit of £11,500 is expected to be raised, allowing more low-income pensioners to receive the payment.

Conservatives demand ‘urgent clarity’ winter fuel payment changes from Keir Starmer

Who is eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment?

Previously, the payment was accessible to everyone above the state pension age (currently 66) in the UK. However, new rules implemented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves for the 2024/25 tax year mean that only state pensioners on means-tested benefits will qualify.

Ms Reeves stated that this move would help save the Government between £1.3 billion and £1.5 billion annually. Under the new regulations, individuals are eligible for a winter fuel payment if they were born before 23 September 1958. They must also reside in England or Wales and receive one of the following benefits:

• Pension Credit
• Universal Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support.

This change has removed the payments from an estimated 10 million pensioners.

However, after increasing pressure from Labour members, Sir Keir has announced that the criteria will be altered again to make “more pensioners eligible” for the payment. The specifics of the new threshold, how many more will qualify, and when these changes will take effect remain unclear.

Charities are concerned that hundreds of thousands will still not receive the payment due to “complex” benefit application procedures.

Lucy Bannister, head of policy and influencing at charity Turn2us, commented: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s indication that the Government plans to widen eligibility for winter fuel payment, helping more low-income pensioners to stay warm and safe this winter. We hear from people every year about the difference this support makes.”

The organisation expressed deep concerns, articulating: “But we remain concerned that hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners still miss out each year due to a complex application process, lack of awareness, and stigma. Many feel shame for needing support, a direct result of how benefits are too often talked about by politicians and the media. The Government must urgently ensure its narrative around its wider social security reforms reduces this stigma, simplify the system, and proactively reach those being left behind.”

When Will Changes Take Effect?

The changes are expected to be part of the autumn Budget, with a potential rollout before winter. However, with no confirmed date, many pensioners remain uncertain about their eligibility this year.

Why Is This Important?

With energy bills remaining high and inflation still affecting household costs, winter can be an extremely difficult time for elderly individuals — especially those living alone or on a fixed income. The Winter Fuel Payment can help cover essential costs and prevent fuel poverty.

Current Eligibility Criteria (Before Changes)

You could currently receive Winter Fuel Payments if you:

• Were born on or before 25 September 1958
• Live in the UK during the ‘qualifying week’ (usually in September)
• Receive Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based JSA, or Income-related ESA

If you’re not on these benefits, you must meet strict income criteria, which many argue exclude pensioners who are still struggling financially.

What to Expect Next

Government officials have promised more clarity in the coming weeks, with pressure mounting to give pensioners enough time to plan for winter. Campaigners want:

• Automatic payments for those on low incomes
• Better awareness of the benefit
• Immediate adjustments to ensure support reaches those most in need

While universal Winter Fuel Payments are unlikely to return, more low-income pensioners may now qualify under planned reforms. If you’ve missed out in the past due to slightly higher income or technicalities, your chances of receiving this vital support have improved. Until the autumn Budget outlines the final policy, keep an eye on updates and use tools like the Winter Fuel Payment calculator on GOV.UK to check your future eligibility.

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