Nine million pensioners will get winter fuel payment this year – here’s who is eligible
Nine million pensioners in England and Wales will get the winter fuel payment this year, the chancellor has confirmed after a major government U-turn.
Last year, one of Labour’s first acts in government was to scrap the payment for almost all pensioners.
Only those who received pension credit or similar benefits were eligible for it – a drop from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
The decision was aimed at balancing what was described as a £22bn “black hole” in the public finances.
But Sir Keir Starmer announced there would be a partial U-turn in May, after the policy drew heavy criticisms from charities, opposition parties and voters, and Labour suffered poor local election results.
So, who will be eligible this winter?
The payment, worth up to £300, will be given to pensioners with an income of less than £35,000 a year.
Those with an income above this threshold (around two million pensioners) will also receive the payment, but it will then be reclaimed from them in tax.
To be eligible, you will need to have reached state pension age by 15 September this year.
You do not need to do anything to claim the amount. It will be paid into your account automatically.
Pensioners who do not want to receive the payment will be able to opt out, according to the Treasury.
How much is it costing?
The Treasury claims the new arrangement will cost £1.25bn, but it is not clear how it will be funded.
We should find this out at the Autumn budget, which is usually delivered by the chancellor at the end of October or early November.
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