Terminal most cancers affected person fears she ‘will not survive winter’ after Labour cuts gas allowance for 44,000 pensioners affected by incurable illnesss

Up to 44,000 terminally ill pensioners have lost access to the winter fuel payments this year after the government introduced new restrictions that mean only those in receipt of Pension Credit will be eligible.

New research from end-of-life Marie Curie revealed the staggering number of elderly, terminally ill people who will receive no help to keep themselves warm this winter – including those diagnosed with cancer.

Previously, they would have been able to claim up to £300 for help to pay the bills through the cold winter months.

Helen van Bueren, 77, from Derbyshire, who has Multiple Myeloma, is one of those who has lost her Winter Fuel Payment and said she fears she ‘won’t see the other side of this winter’. 

The energy bill assistance is not only important to keep those who are terminally ill warm, but also to sustain lifesaving equipment such as oxygen machines. 

It’s feared the winter fuel payment changes could disproportionately hit pensioners with terminal illnesses because they are more likely to be house-bound and unable to access lifelines such as warm community centres. 

It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer suffered a blow in Scotland on Tuesday after the country’s Labour vowed to force a vote on reinstating the winter fuel payment for all its pensioners. 

Ms Van Beuren said: ‘When the cold starts to creep in, my feet turn white, go numb and stop working completely. I can’t feel anything. 

‘I fumble, I drop things and there are walking sticks scattered all over the house in case I fall.

‘The cold is crippling. 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 allowance anymore and I do wonder if I will see the other side of this winter.’

Data shows that around 43,900 people of pension age are currently in receipt of one or more benefits under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness, but are not eligible to receive pension credit.

The new government announced changes this autumn which mean no pensioner not eligible to claim pension credit would be able to receive winter fuel payments. 

Pension credit gives single households receiving less than £11,344 or two-person households receiving less than £17,313 per year extra financial support.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the winter fuel payment would be means-tested within weeks of taking office.

The policy has been widely criticised but Labour insist it is vital to balance the books after a ‘fiscal black hole’ left by the Tory government.

But in Scotland, Labour MPs are defiantly vowing to force a vote to give the payment back to most of the country’s pensioners.

Amendments submitted by the party would require ministers to make regulations so all pensioners are eligible for winter heating assistance.

There would be a mechanism for payments to be recovered if the recipient’s household income exceeds an amount set by ministers.

Scottish Labour’s social security spokesman Paul O’Kane said: ‘Scottish Labour has been clear that if wins the 2026 election, we will reinstate the winter fuel payment for thousands of pensioners – but people shouldn’t have to wait that long.

‘Next week will we have an opportunity to take a different approach in Scotland and ensure that every pensioner who needs a payment gets one.

‘Across the UK Labour is cleaning up the mess left behind by the Tories, but Scotland needs a change of direction too.

‘The SNP has offered a lot of warm words on Winter Fuel Payments, so it would be a gross betrayal if the SNP fails to back these amendments.

‘Already the SNP has failed to pass on to £41 million of support intended for the most vulnerable people in Scotland this winter.

‘We have the money and the powers we need – now is the time for action.’

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. 

‘We know that energy costs can increase dramatically after a terminal diagnosis, yet the decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment only to people receiving means-tested benefits takes no account of this.

‘The festive season is meant to be one of warmth, joy, and celebration. No one should have to face their final days worrying about money or whether they can afford to heat their home or even switch on Christmas lights. 

‘The government should urgently rethink this decision, and take further steps to support people at the end of life with energy costs, including by introducing a social tariff.’

A Government spokesperson said: ‘No one should suffer financial hardship because of a health condition – that’s why special rules are in place to ensure those nearing the end of their life get faster, easier access to certain benefits, in most cases at the highest rate.

‘We are committed to supporting pensioners, with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament. 

‘Over a million pensioners will still receive a Winter Fuel Payment, and many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments this winter, while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.’