The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has dismissed an online petition urging the UK Government to backtrack on changes to Winter Fuel Payments eligibility, which would see the annual heating aid extended to all over the State Pension age. Despite the DWP's stance, the e-petition has garnered over 55,700 signatures, potentially leading to a parliamentary debate on the contentious decision.

If the petition hits 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for discussion in Parliament. With the number of supporters swelling and the petition open until early May, it seems poised to reach this milestone.

It's estimated that around 10 million elderly individuals, including 35,411 in Stoke-on-Trent and 25,277 in Newcastle borough, will miss out on Winter Fuel Payments ranging from £200 to £300 this fiscal year.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled the policy shift at July's end, arguing that it was crucial to fill a '£22 billion black hole' left by the Conservative government. Now, only those over 66 who receive means-tested benefits like Pension Credit are eligible for the one-off yearly payment.

The DWP began distributing the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payments in November, with automatic payments set to continue until January 29, 2025, reports the Daily Record.

In response to the petition, the DWP stated: "The Government has no plans to reverse the means testing of the Winter Fuel Payment but is focusing on increasing Pension Credit take-up to ensure all eligible pensioners continue to receive support."

The creator of the petition, Michael Brian Anderson, makes a compelling argument that the recent eligibility rule change to Winter Fuel Payments could put an undue burden on the NHS, and more worryingly, warns that "pensioners could die if MPs do not act".

The petition explicitly states: "We want the Government to restore the Winter Fuel Payment to how it was paid last winter immediately. We are concerned that pensioners could die if MPs do not act, and that the NHS could be under more pressure."

Citing a Labour party analysis from 2017, the petition highlights a grim possibility: "It has been reported that plans to cut the fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners could increase excess deaths by almost 4,000 that winter."

In response, the DWP acknowledged the fiscal pressures but defended the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, stating: "Given the substantial fiscal pressures this year and next, the Government has had to make difficult decisions to bring the public finances under control. This includes the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, so it is better targeted to low-income pensioners who need it."

The DWP further emphasised its commitment to supporting low-income pensioners, saying: "To ensure Winter Fuel Payments are received by those on the lowest incomes the Government is determined to do everything it can to maximise take-up of Pension Credit which provides a safety net for pensioners on the lowest incomes and opens the door to other benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment."

The DWP has taken a proactive step by mailing approximately 12 million pensioners to notify them of the eligibility adjustments for the Winter Fuel Payment, advising them on potentially qualifying benefits and encouraging them to verify if they may be entitled to Pension Credit and understand how they can claim it.

Furthering their efforts, DWP has personally reached out to roughly 120,000 pensioners who are current recipients of Housing Benefit and who might be eligible for, yet not claiming, Pension Credit.

They elaborated: "We are inviting these pensioners to claim Pension Credit ahead of 21st December so that, thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, they may also be entitled to this year's Winter Fuel Payment.

"Not only will those who are eligible retain Winter Fuel Payment entitlement, they will receive an additional £3,900 a year on average through their new Pension Credit award, which provides a passport to other help such as assistance with housing costs, energy bills and a free TV licence for those over 75."

The government department didn't stop there. It has also outlined extra financial support available for the elderly during the colder months, details of which have been made accessible online.

For those interested in Pension Credit eligibility, it's noteworthy to consider the processing time for new claims, which is currently averaging 50 working days. This implies that submissions made now could yield a response by the end of March.

Even a modest weekly Pension Credit award of £1 can unlock a suite of supplementary financial support, including the forthcoming Winter Fuel Payment for 2025/26. Elderly individuals, or their loved ones, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get a rough idea of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK here.

Alternatively, pensioners can ring up the Pension Credit helpline directly to lodge a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday through Friday.

Expert help and advice is also available from:

More details about claiming Pension Credit can be fond on GOV.UK here.

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