A fifth of people were already planning to do this but an extra 29 per cent will undertake the extreme measure as a result of the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) rule shake-up.

State pensioners told there will be no bonus payment this year

The Government has given an update on Winter Fuel Payments, which will now be means-tested, after the loss of added support for pensioners

by · NottinghamshireLive

The Government has clarified that there will be no special 'pensioner cost of living payments' this year. The payments, which were designed to help approximately eight million low-income households manage the soaring cost of living, have been ceased.

Previously issued alongside the Winter Fuel Payment to state pensioners, recipients received between £350 and £600 in total. However, with the discontinuation of these payments and the new means-testing for the Winter Fuel Payment, many pensioners are set to face a reduction in support amidst rising energy bills from October.

The Government stated, "If you were born before September 23, 1958 you could get either £200 or £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2024 to 2025. This is known as a Winter Fuel Payment."

It added: "You may be eligible if you or your partner get certain benefits. You will not get the extra Pensioner Cost of Living Payment given in 2022 and 2023. It stopped in winter 2023."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant criticism for the decision to eliminate Winter Fuel Payments for all but the most impoverished pensioners. Charities have warned that this could leave approximately 2.5 million elderly individuals who don't qualify struggling financially, reports Birmingham Live.

The removal of this additional cost of living support will only exacerbate these challenges.