The Government has confirmed a U-turn over the winter fuel allowance
Wealthy pensioners are unlikely to get the cash.
More pensioners will get Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300 later this year under changes to the scheme.
The Government has announced a U-turn on the winter fuel allowance following a backlash over unpopular cuts last year which took money away from 10 million pensioners.
Details of who will now qualify have yet to be confirmed by ministers.
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However, a full reversal of the policy to return payments to all pensioners appears to be unlikely.
That means wealthy pensioners are unlikely to receive the payments, amid widespread agreement they don’t need the money which could ultimately be spent on other things.
Further details are expected to be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at next week’s spending review.
Ms Reeves has confirmed changes to the scheme will be in place in time for this winter to ensure more pensioners get the support.
The Government was heavily criticised over the way it determined who would get the winter payments last year, with millions on low incomes left to go without.
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The Chancellor said people “should be in no doubt that the means test will increase and more people will get winter fuel payment this winter”.
Pensions minister Torsten Bell effectively ruled out a return of universal payments.
He said: “It’s not a good idea that we have a system paying a few hundreds of pounds to millionaires, and so we’re not going to be continuing with that.”
However, the eligibility cut-off point currently remains unclear, amid suggestions it could be based on council tax bands.