All you need to know as Chancellor Rachel Reeves says one million elderly people are ‘eligible to keep winter fuel cash’

Close to a million eligible pensioners could miss out on their £300 winter fuel payment, it was revealed yesterday.

They are being urged to check if they qualify for a benefit that could stop them losing out on the payments.

The campaign to improve take-up of Pension Credit comes amid growing anger that Labour has taken away energy subsidies for up to 10 million older people.

It is feared that as many as 880,000 eligible households do not currently claim Pension Credit, which is worth an average of £3,900 a year by itself but also opens the door to other financial help from the state.

Single pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 could be eligible, as could couples earning less than £332.95. 

It is feared that as many as 880,000 eligible households do not currently claim Pension Credit, which is worth an average of £3,900 a year by itself but also opens the door to other financial help from the state (pictured: senior woman holding gas bill in front of heating radiator) 

Even those who own their own home or have savings may be able to claim the payments and are encouraged to use the Department for Work and Pensions website to apply.

In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that winter fuel payments, worth up to £300, would be means-tested for the first time in an attempt to save £1.4billion. 

She said last night: ‘I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit.’

The curtailing of winter fuel payments comes as experts warn that average energy bills are due to rise from £1,568 to £1,714 in the autumn.

Consultancy Cornwall Insight says the energy price cap is due to rise 9 per cent after a rebound in the wholesale cost of gas and electricity on global markets.

Industry regulator Ofgem will officially announce the new cap, which applies from October 1, on Friday.