More than one million older people in the UK are skipping meals because of financial hardship, according to new research.
The crisis deepens as the storm batters the country, with more than seven million pensioners cutting back on their heating usage or reducing the amount of time they heat their homes.
The figures, published by Age UK, come amid growing controversy over recent cuts to winter fuel payments.
Research shows the situation is particularly dire for vulnerable groups, with an estimated 620,000 pensioners suffering from long-term health conditions and currently unable to eat.
The crisis has been exacerbated by significant delays in the benefit system, with some eligible pensioners facing up to 12-week waits for vital support payments.
A survey by Age UK revealed that four in nine pensioners, or around 5.5 million people, are worried they won't be able to heat their homes adequately this winter.
Protests have been held in recent months over concerns about the impact of this decision.
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Two-thirds of people over the age of 66 with long-term health conditions are cutting back on their heating.
The study also found that a similar number of older adults were reducing their intake of hot meals.
More than 900,000 pensioners with chronic health conditions have expressed concerns about falling into debt.
Age UK has collected testimonies from around 30,000 pensioners highlighting their struggles.
One pensioner reported: “We can't afford to heat our bungalow because it's not insulated and the double-glazed windows are damaged.” “We're just over the edge of asking for help.”
“I have ischemic heart disease, so I need to keep my body warm, but I'm worried about the cost of turning on a heater, so I keep warm by wrapping myself in blankets or sleeping.''
Financial pressure on pensioners has increased after Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced significant cuts to winter fuel payments in July.
This controversial decision, aimed at saving £1.4 billion and addressing public spending shortfalls, dramatically changed the support system.
Under the new rules, winter fuel payments are now limited to those eligible for pension benefits.
The changes have triggered a surge in pension credit applications, with official figures showing around 150,000 applications received in the 16 weeks since the announcement in July.
This represents a 145% increase compared to the previous 16 weeks.
A Government spokesperson defended the Government's position, saying: 'We are committed to supporting pensioners and millions of people will receive their National Pension up to £1,900 this Parliament through our Triple Lock initiative. It's going to increase.”
The spokesperson stressed that more than one million pensioners will continue to receive winter fuel payments.
He also pointed to additional support measures such as a £150 warming home discount and cold climate benefits.
