Millions of pensioners lost out on up to £300 of energy support last year after the Labour Government's decision to axe Winter Fuel Payments, according to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data.
Figures suggest the number of Winter Fuel Payment recipients in winter 2024 to 2025 was 1.3 million, a decrease of 9.3 million since winter 2023 to 2024.
Last year, the Government was lobbied to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment following widespread protests.
The number of WFP beneficiaries (recipients plus eligible pension age partners) in winter 2024 to 2025 was 1.4 million.
Some 13 per cent of pensioners aged 66 and over were beneficiaries of a WFP in winter 2024 to 2025.
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Last year, the Government was lobbied to reinstate the Winter Fuel Payment following widespread protests.
| gettyExperts warn women over 80 are most exposed as cuts leave just 13 per cent of pensioners receiving help.
Campaigners say publicity around the changes has pushed more older people to claim Pension Credit, boosting year-round support.
New income-based system will restore payments more widely, with higher earners facing opt-outs or recovery through tax.
Analysts warn reforms must be simple and predictable to protect the most vulnerable without creating confusion.
Jon Greer, head of Retirement Policy at Quilter, said: "Restricting the Winter Fuel Payment to those on means-tested support saw numbers collapse from 10.6 million last winter to 1.3 million in 2024/25, leaving only 13 per cent of pensioners receiving help."
He added: "Around two thirds of recipients are women and almost a quarter are women aged 80 and over. That pattern reflects who is most exposed when support is targeted by income."
Mr Greer also noted: "The publicity around last winter’s rules prompted many older people who did not realise they could claim Pension Credit to come forward, which should leave them better supported year-round."
"Under the new income-based system the payment will be restored more widely but focused on lower and middle incomes," he said.
Eligibility of Winter Fuel Payment in winter 2024 to 2025 linked to means-tested benefits
|DWP
He warned: "Reforms to long-standing benefits must be simple, well signposted and predictable so that the most vulnerable are protected without creating confusion."
Mr Greer added: "This is also a lesson in how difficult it is for the Government to change what is already on offer."
"As we approach the Autumn Budget the Government will have this in the back of their minds."
"Ministers are trying to boost coffers without further damaging their public image," he added.
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You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22 1959 and live in England or Wales.
You will not be eligible if you live outside England and Wales, were in prison or receiving free hospital treatment during the qualifying week, or if your UK visa restricts access to public funds.
People in care homes can get the payment, unless they have been living there since June 23 2025 or earlier and are also receiving means-tested benefits.
The Government says the rules ensure support is targeted at older people most in need during the winter months.