Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) and pensioners
[Last updated 30/05/25]
The Government remains committed to helping low-income pensioners. Everyone in society deserves a comfortable and dignified retirement, and I want more pensioners to benefit from the Winter Fuel Payment.
The economy is now beginning to improve as a result of the tough decisions taken by this Government. Interest rates are down, economic growth is higher than in any other G7 nation and the Prime Minister has agreed three new major trade deals. It is right that more people feel the benefit of this responsible economic management, and I welcome that eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments will be reviewed.
Of course, we must be able to afford our spending commitments, and so the details of these changes will be considered as part of an upcoming fiscal event.
In the meantime, I support maintaining the triple lock policy. This means that the State Pension will continue to increase annually by the highest of inflation, average wage growth, or 2.5%. Thanks to the triple lock, the State Pension increased by a further £470 from April. Pension Credit was also uprated by more than 4%.
I know, however, that not enough low-income pensioners are claiming this important benefit. That is why the Government took immediate and vital action to boost its take-up shortly after taking office last year. Since then, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has written to around 13 million pensioners about claiming Pension Credit. The DWP has also worked with charities and local authorities, and launched a campaign across radio, TV and print media. These efforts have already seen the number of successful Pension Credit awards increase by 64%, and they will continue. To guarantee even greater uptake, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit will be merged for new claimants, starting in 2026.
I note that many pensioners may also qualify for extra assistance via Attendance Allowance, the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments. In addition, I would urge any pensioner in financial hardship to contact their local council and find out what help is available via the Household Support Fund. This can contribute to the cost of essentials for those struggling to make ends meet.