Pensioners in England and Wales: how will you be affected by proposed winter fuel payment changes?

Charities have warned that up to 2 million financially struggling older people could lose annual payments under government plans to restrict the winter fuel allowance.

The chancellor’s proposals will see payments only going to pensioners in England and Wales who receive means tested benefits.

In a statement to the Commons , Rachel Reeves said: “Let me be clear, this is not a decision I wanted to make, nor is it the one that I expected to make, but these are the necessary and urgent decisions that I must make.”

About 800,000 people are missing out on pension credit payments they are entitled to, which would allow them to qualify for winter fuel payments under new plans. The website Entitledto.co.uk has a benefits calculator that will tell you if there is anything you should be claiming.

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