Pensioners may be forced to hand back hundreds of pounds worth of winter fuel payments due to eligibility changes.

The benefit is to be means-tested, with Labour passing the change to the rules through parliament.

The Chancellor revealed that under the new system, the payment will be reserved only for those on specific means-tested benefits.

However, what may catch some Brits out is that, even if they initially qualify for payment, if their circumstances changes then they'll become ineligible and may have to pay their payments back.

If pensioners fail to report that they have changed their address or not claimed qualifying benefits, then they may have to hand back their winter fuel payment.

However, pensioners can make sure they don't lose their winter fuel allowance by contacting the DWP as soon any changes to their circumstances are made.

Contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre at 0800 731 0160 or for those living abroad, contacting the DWP international number on +44 (0)191 218 7777, will enable pensioners to ensure the correct criteria is being recorded.

Director of Age UK Caroline Abrahams has urged the government to broaden the qualifying critieria for the winter fuel payment. She warned of the potential dire consequences of not doing so.

She said: “If [Labour] is dead set on pressing ahead, the very least they should do is to greatly expand the numbers of pensioners who will receive a winter fuel payment beyond the small group they have so far said will retain it.

“Even this would not be enough though because many pensioners on low incomes or in vulnerable circumstances would still miss out on a winter fuel payment when they can ill afford to do so.”