The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to everyone on benefits, including state pensioners, to check their bank account for a specific code

Since 1997, all British pensioners have been able to claim a tax-free payment to help with their heating costs. The winter fuel payment, introduced by the last Labour government, previously doled out as much as £300 a year to all retirees.

The 80-year-old, like all pensioners in England and Wales, was given the winter fuel payment (WFP) automatically – until this week when the new Labour government voted to change the rules. Now only pensioners who qualify for certain benefits will receive it, an estimated 1.5 million people. Last winter 10.8 million people got the payment.

The DWP has confirmed every person over state pension age will receive a letter "from mid-October" explaining the new eligibility rule changes to winter fuel.

Lucinda emailed Martin's team to tell them her mum had initially lost her entitlement to the £300 Winter Fuel Payment this year after the government's rule change

The final date for making a backdated claim for pension credit, in order to receive the winter fuel payment, is 21 December. The Department for Work and Pensions says that pension credit is worth on average more than £3,900 a year in itself. The amount received depends on a variety of factors.

From mid-October 2024 government minister has confirmed that those impacted by the axing of the key benefit will be contacted

More financial support with energy bills is available for state pensioners losing their £300 Winter Fuel Payment.