Nine million pensioners will receive Winter Fuel Payments this winter under Labour's latest eligibility changes, up dramatically from just 1.5 million last year. All pensioners with incomes under £35,000 annually will get payments of £200 or £300 automatically, while those earning more will have the money recovered by HMRC through tax codes or self-assessment.
The Social Security Advisory Committee has criticised the new rules for their "inconsistent treatment of vulnerable groups" and urged Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to expand automatic protections. The committee specifically highlights that disabled pensioners often face higher energy costs due to health conditions requiring increased heating, yet lack the same automatic exemptions given to Pension Credit recipients.
Vulnerable groups unprotected
The committee recommends extending automatic protection to pensioners receiving disability benefits including Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance. These groups currently face the same £35,000 income threshold despite often living in poor-quality rental housing or needing extra heating for medical conditions.
The committee's report stated: "If the Government can automatically identify and protect Pension Credit recipients, it is unclear why similar mechanisms cannot be extended to other social security benefit recipients." The report delivered eight recommendations overall and said the government's current strategy "falls short" on fairness and targeted assistance.
Scam warnings and implementation
The DWP has warned pensioners to beware of scammers targeting the new opt-out scheme with fraudulent text messages, according to Chronicle Live. The committee said enhanced communications would be needed to prevent worry and confusion among pensioners relying on the support.
With less than three months before payments are distributed, the committee acknowledged it would not be appropriate to delay this year's payments. Previously, anyone of state pension age living in the UK automatically received Winter Fuel Payments, but Labour dramatically tightened eligibility criteria since taking power.
Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "Yorkshire Post", "Chronicle Live", "Mirror" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
