How much is the winter fuel payment and how can I still claim it?

Millions of pensioners will lose winter fuel payments under changes being brought in by the government.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that future payments would only be made to those getting pension credit or other means-tested help. The plans have been criticised by some MPs, unions and charities.

Those entitled to pension credit for at least one day between 16 and 22 September will qualify for the winter fuel payment.

What is the winter fuel payment and who will receive it?

The winter fuel payment until now, has been paid to all pensioners to help with energy bills. The payment was based on the principle that older people would be left exposed and at increased risk if they could not pay for adequate heating.

But in July, the chancellor said the payment would now be made only to those on low incomes who received certain benefits.

It means more than 10 million pensioners will no longer receive the money. While some say they never needed it, charities and many MPs are concerned about those still on a relatively small income who will miss out.

While the chancellor's decision only covers England and Wales, the Scottish government also said it would end pensioners' universal entitlement to the payment.

The benefit is separate from other support such as cold weather payments and the warm home discount.

How much is the winter fuel payment and when is it paid?

This year, the winter fuel payment totals £200 for those on certain benefits and born between 23 September, 1944, and 22 September, 1958.

For those born before 23 September, 1944, and on certain benefits, it is worth £300.

If you live with someone, and jointly claim benefits, then only one of the couple receives the benefit.

It is usually paid automatically in November or December. Those eligible will receive letters in the coming weeks.

How is the winter fuel payment now linked to pension credit?

Although it will be paid automatically without a direct claim, the vast majority of those eligible will only receive winter fuel payments if they have first claimed pension credit.

This is a state pension top-up, which itself is worth thousands of pounds a year.

Crucially, an estimated 880,000 eligible pensioners fail to claim pension credit.

You could be eligible for pension credit if you are above state pension age and have an income of less that £218.15 a week, or less than £332.95 as a joint weekly income with your partner. Savings are also taken into account.

Disabled people, those caring for someone, and those with housing costs could still be eligible even if they have more income or savings.

If people are entitled to pension credit for at least one day between 16 and 22 September, even if they do not immediately claim it, then they will receive the winter fuel payment.

You can check your eligibility for pension credit via the government's online calculator.

Information is also available on how to make a claim and a phone line is available on weekdays - 0800 99 1234.

The final date for making a backdated claim for pension credit - to make sure you can receive this year's winter fuel payment - is 21 December.

What else do I get with pension credit?

The Department for Work and Pensions says that pension credit is worth on average more than £3,900 a year in itself. The amount received depends on a variety of factors.

Importantly, it is also a gateway to other financial support, on top of winter fuel payments.

They may include a reduction in council tax, a free TV licence when aged over 75, or help with NHS costs - most of which require separate applications.

Charities can help people apply.

What other benefits go unclaimed?

The government spends about £265bn on pensions and benefits to more than 22 million people in England, Wales and Scotland.

That's about £20bn more than total spending on health services.

However, huge amounts go unclaimed by those who are entitled to extra help.

While it is very difficult to work out an accurate figure, social policy and analytics company Policy in Practice estimates that £23bn is unclaimed every year by households in Scotland, Wales and England.

It says the biggest chunk of that is unclaimed universal credit, followed by council tax support and carer's allowance.

How to check if you can claim a benefit

• There is a guide to benefits, how to qualify and what to do if something goes wrong, provided by the independent MoneyHelper website, backed by government

• Benefits calculators are also run by Policy in Practice and charities Entitledto and Turn2us

You can read more Cost of Living stories here.