Millions of pensioners are facing a harsh winter this year after Chancellor Rachel Reeves made her decision to cut Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.
Around 44,000 people with terminal illnesses will lose the payment, worth up to £300, according to figures obtained by Marie Curie through a Freedom of Information request.
The move comes as part of Labour’s reforms aimed at filling a £22billion black hole, which will see the number of pensioners receiving the payment plummet from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
Dr Sam Royston, executive director for policy and research at Marie Curie, said: “For people who claim benefits under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness, this may very well be their last winter and Christmas.”
Age UK is urging those on a low income to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit as it could mean those who are most vulnerable can get an extra £3,900 a year.
One 81-year-old man told the charity: “We try and only use one hour of heating a day.”
And an 87-year-old man said: “I will have to stay in bed longer and only get up to eat.”
Increased pressure as more pensioners become ill due to cold conditions, particularly during the winter months
GETTY
Critics warn the NHS could face increased pressure as more pensioners become ill due to cold conditions, particularly during the winter months.
Research from Age UK revealed that 77 per cent of pensioners used their Winter Fuel Payment for fuel-related costs last year, including heating, hot water and household appliances.
Sue Hogston, head of nursing and quality at Marie Curie Bradford Hospice, explained that cold environments significantly impact those with terminal illnesses.
She said: “National research shows that living in a cold environment enhances your chance of respiratory illness and living in damp does the same. Living in a cold house impacts your cardio vascular system, so we know the cold impacts hospital admissions.”
Terminally ill people face double the energy costs compared to others, Marie Curie has warned, due to specific medical needs.
The increased expenses stem from the constant need to heat homes for pain relief, frequent washing and drying of clothes, and powering essential medical devices.
The charity is now calling for guaranteed Winter Fuel Payments for all terminally ill people, regardless of age or benefit status.
Helen van Bueren, 77, from Derbyshire, is among those who have lost their Winter Fuel Payment after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer.
She said: “It seeps into your bones and sits there. It consumes you. With each year that passes, I feel myself fading a little more. I’m just over the limit for Pension Credit so I won’t get my Winter Fuel Payment anymore and I do wonder if I will see the other side of this winter.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, added: “With fuel prices having gone up so much compared to five or 10 years ago, even older people who expected to be relatively comfortable in retirement have been impacted and forced to tighten their belts. And for those without much money behind them, energy bills have become a source of real fear.”
The Household Support Fund helps struggling households with bills and essential costs over winter. Age UK is urging those who are struggling to contact their local council to see if they are entitled to any support from the fund.
The Government continues to urge pensioners on a low income to apply for Pension Credit before the December 21 deadline – all eligible claimants would receive up to £300 with the Winter Fuel Payment as well as any backdated Pension Credit arrears where applicable.
Pension Credit could be worth on average up to £3,900 a year and acts as a gateway to other important benefits including help with housing costs, council tax reductions and NHS treatment costs.
The Pension Credit standard minimum guarantee will soon be worth £227.10 a week for a single person and £346.60 for a couple.
A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock.”
