State pensioners urged to claim £780 after Winter Fuel Payments axed

With recent cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility, many pensioners are now facing a financial squeeze as they prepare for the colder months. However, several other financial support schemes are available that together could offer up to £780 in aid this winter.

The Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300 to help with heating bills, will only be available to pensioners on means-tested benefits this year.

This change is aimed at addressing a “£22billion” shortfall in the nation's finances, but it's estimated that 10 million pensioners will lose access to the benefit.

However, pensioners can still access a range of financial support schemes that offer hundreds of pounds in assistance during the colder months, making it essential to be aware of what’s available.

From the Warm Home Discount to Cold Weather Payments, here is a rundown of support on offer across Great Britain to help cover energy costs, which can be worth around £780.

Warm Home Discount – £150

Many pensioners could qualify for the Warm Home Discount, a £150 payment applied directly to energy bills. This support is offered to those on low incomes and can help reduce the impact of rising heating costs. If eligible, the discount will be applied automatically to energy bills by participating suppliers.

The scheme re-opens in October, and payments are distributed from November. Elderly individuals will qualify for the discount if they or their partner are recipients of the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit.

They may also be eligible for the support if they receive the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit, Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

Winter Heating Payment – £58

The Winter Heating Payment is available to people in Scotland who qualify for certain benefits, such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit. This year, the payment is worth £58.75 and will be distributed in a single installment between December and February 2025.

Cold Weather Payment – £25

Pensioners may also be entitled to the Cold Weather Payment, which provides £25 for each seven-day period when the temperature drops below zero. These payments are triggered by cold weather conditions and are automatically sent to those who qualify for Pension Credit or other eligible benefits.

This year, the scheme will run from November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Households can check if a payment is due in their area using the DWP’s Cold Weather Payment postcode checker.

Child Winter Heating Payment – £251

While this payment is primarily designed for families with disabled children, some pensioners may benefit from it if they are the legal guardians of a child who qualifies. The Child Winter Heating Payment is distributed to Scottish residents and provides £251 to help with heating costs during the colder months.

People can be eligible for the payment if they live with a child or young person under 19 who is entitled to either the highest rate of the care component of child disability payment (CDP) or disability living allowance (DLA), or the enhanced rate of the daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Winter Fuel Payment (if eligible) – £300

For those still eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, up to £300 is available to help cover heating costs.

People can qualify for the payment in Winter 2024 to 2025 if they were born before September 23, 1958, and live in England or Wales while receiving one of the following benefits:

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

However, an estimated 880,000 pensioners may be eligible for Pension Credit but aren’t claiming it, making it vital for individuals to check eligibility for themselves and their loved ones.

Ensuring pensioners claim all the benefits they're entitled to is essential, as combining all of these different payments could provide up to £784 this winter to help with heating costs.