File photo dated 25/08/22 of a general view of the temperature control of a radiator in a home in London. Winter fuel payments based on council tax banding "would not be possible", the pensions minister has warned, as she revealed the Government has not set a target for pension credit uptake. Responding to a written question by Labour MP Rachael Maskell, Emma Reynolds said banding based on property values may not accurately reflect taxpayers' incomes. Issue date: Friday September 13, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Pensions Maskell. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire(Image: PA)

Thousands of state pensioners to receive £233 in aid despite Winter Fuel Payment cut

Pensioners who no longer qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment will still be eligible for other benefits that could provide them with financial support this winter

by · The Mirror

Despite the loss of access to the Winter Fuel Payment, thousands of state pensioners are set to receive at least £233 in financial support this winter, thanks to a combination of other benefits aimed at helping with energy costs. The Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many pensioners in past years, but due to changes in the qualification criteria, millions will find themselves ineligible for it this year.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the payment, which can amount to up to £300 a year to put towards heating, will only be available to people who receive certain means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit. However, those who no longer qualify for this support may still be entitled to a range of other payments that could help makeup the difference.

Here are three key benefits that, when combined, can total up to £233.

The Warm Home Discount £150.

The Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 rebate on households' electricity bills. Eligible pensioners can automatically receive this payment if they're receiving 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.

Most qualifying households can anticipate a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between November and January, confirming their eligibility. The Express reports that the payment is then made directly to the household's energy provider between November and March.

WInter Fuel Payment was previously given to pensioners regardless of their income( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Winter Heating Payment - £58.

The Winter Heating Payment, worth £58.75 this year, is available to individuals in Scotland who are eligible for certain benefits such as Pension Credit and Universal Credit. It will be distributed in a single instalment between December and February 2025.

Cold Weather Payment - £25 (at least).

In addition, pensioners may 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, until March 31, 2025.