The Government has confirmed changes to this year’s scheme
Some pensioners who lost their Winter Fuel Payments last year could get the money, worth up to £300, this winter under a rule change.
The winter allowance was scrapped for millions of older people last year by the new Labour Government.
But a widespread backlash over the way eligibility was determined has led to a rethink for winter 2025/26.
READ MORE: Exact date £200 cost of living payment will benefit Midland households
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It now looks like some people who lost the support in 2024 will get it this winter.
Who will qualify under the changes has yet to be announced, but there have suggestions it could be linked to council tax bands.
Last year’s debacle resulted in millions of low-income pensioners having the winter fuel allowance taken away, leaving them up to £300 worse off, as the worst-off struggle to heat their homes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has now confirmed a U-turn amid plummeting poll ratings.
While wealthy pensioners won’t get the allowance, more on low incomes can expect to receive it.
Full eligibility details are expected to be set out over the coming weeks and months.
Starmer said last month: “I recognise people are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living crisis, including pensioners.
“And as the economy improves we want to make sure people feel those improvements as their lives go forward.
“And that is why we want to ensure that as we go forward more pensioners are eligible for Winter Fuel Payments.
“As you would expect, we will only make decisions we can afford. That is why we will look at that as part of a fiscal event.”
