The Prime Minister has confirmed changes will be made to the current system to allow more older people to qualify for winter support fund
More pensioners are set to receive Winter Fuel Payments of up to £300, following a policy reversal announced by Keir Starmer on controversial cuts.
The Prime Minister confirmed that amendments would be made to the existing system, enabling more elderly individuals to qualify for winter assistance. However, specific details regarding changes to the scheme remain unconfirmed.
So, who are the new pensioners who might be eligible for this allowance?
Under the current rules implemented by Labour last year, the income threshold stands at £11,500, and individuals must be claiming Pension Credit or certain other benefits to qualify. This is the primary area likely to undergo review.
A complete rollback of the policy, reverting to universal support for all pensioners, is unlikely, reports Birmingham Live.
Much of the discontent surrounding winter fuel payments stems from the way eligibility is determined, with critics arguing it excludes too many low-income pensioners.
There’s a general consensus that affluent individuals do not require the support. Therefore, the threshold is expected to be raised from £11,500 to include more low-income households.
There have been suggestions that eligibility could be tied to council tax bands instead.
However, if you’re a low-income pensioner who doesn’t currently qualify, your chances of receiving the payments have now improved.
It’s hoped that these changes will be implemented in time for the upcoming winter, although this remains uncertain.
These measures are anticipated to be outlined in the autumn Budget, and could swiftly be put into action thereafter.
In the coming weeks, ministers will confront escalating demands to provide more specifics, especially with the Budget still a few months off. This leaves pensioners who currently don’t qualify in a state of increasing uncertainty about the approaching winter.
