Everything you need to know as Finance Minister Rachel Reeves says one million seniors ‘eligible to keep winter fuel allowance’

It was announced yesterday that almost a million eligible pensioners will miss out on their £300 winter fuel payment.

They are urged to check whether they are eligible for benefits so that they do not miss out on potential payments.

The campaign to improve pension credit take-up comes amid growing anger over Labour’s decision to cut energy subsidies for as many as 10 million elderly people.

It is feared that as many as 880,000 eligible households are currently not claiming the pension scheme. The scheme itself pays an average of £3,900 a year, but also offers opportunities for other financial help from the state.

Single pensioners with a weekly income of less than £218.15 may be eligible, as may married couples earning less than £332.95.

It is feared that as many as 880,000 eligible households are currently not claiming the pension scheme, which is worth an average of £3,900 a year on its own, but also opens the door to other financial help from the state (pictured: an elderly woman holding her gas bill in front of the radiator).

People who own their own home or have savings may also be eligible for the benefits. They are encouraged to use the Department for Work and Pensions website to submit their claim.

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

Last night she said: ‘I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for pension credit.’

The winter fuel payment cut comes after experts warned the average energy bill will rise from £1,568 to £1,714 in the autumn.

Consultancy Cornwall Insight reports that the maximum energy tariff will rise by 9 percent after a recovery in wholesale gas and electricity prices on the global market.

Regulator Ofgem will officially announce the new cap on Friday, which will come into effect from October 1.