Pensioners urged to double check Pension Credit eligibility following DWP message

Latest data reveals a significant rise in Pension Credit claims following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's announcement that only individuals over the State Pension age receiving means-tested benefits will be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments

Fresh figures show a spike in Pension Credit applications following Chancellor Rachel Reeves's declaration that only those over the State Pension age on means-tested benefits will be entitled to Winter Fuel Payments. Since July 29, there's been a flurry of about 74,400 new filings, although the numbers dipped slightly to 11,800 in the week beginning September 16 from 13,400 the preceding week.

A standout detail is that nearly 92% of claims during the critical qualifying week were submitted online. It's important to note that successful new applicants who got their paperwork in before December 21 will get a backdated Winter Fuel Payment ranging between £100 and £300.

Commenting on the support for seniors, a UK Government spokesperson confirmed: "We are committed to supporting pensioners, with millions set to see their State Pension rise by £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock."

On the Labour front, a party spokesperson highlighted recent initiatives: "Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it's right we target support to those who need it most. Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payment, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take-up has already seen a 152 per cent increase in claims."

The Daily Record reports that many will also get a financial boost from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills during the chilly months, while the extended household support fund is set to assist with food, heating, and other bills.

In the previous year, 11.6 million pensioners across Great Britain received the Winter Fuel Payment; however, Labour's recent changes to the eligibility criteria, aimed at tackling a £22 billion deficit left by the Tories, mean around 10 million people over the State Pension age are now poised to miss out on this yearly aid for heating costs.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has been vigorously urging the elderly to check if they qualify for Pension Credit, which could also entitle them to Winter Fuel Payments. During the DWP's Pension Credit Week of Action, Ms Kendall stated: "It's easier than ever to check if you are eligible, including with our online calculator, and if your circumstances have changed since the last time you looked I urge you to check again."

She also shed light on a pressing concern, remarking: "Thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit worth on average £3,900 per year. That needs to change."

Ms Kendall, addressing the crowd at the annual party conference in Liverpool, proudly stated that her Government had "done more to help the poorest pensioners in the last two months than the Tories did in 14 years". The efforts she highlighted included "the biggest ever drive to get pensioners on Pension Credit, backed by our commitment to the pensions Triple Lock".

Nevertheless, a move on Wednesday within the conference resulted in members expressing strong disapproval of means-testing for the Winter Fuel Payment. Delegates backed a union-supported motion prompting the Chancellor to "reverse the introduction of means-testing for the Winter Fuel Allowance".

At present, close to 1.4 million seniors across Great Britain are beneficiaries of Pension Credit. Yet, recent DWP statistics indicate that approximately 880,000 eligible seniors have not claimed the benefit they qualify for.

A misconception among some older folks is that having savings or being homeowners automatically disqualifies them from this means-tested benefit, which can lead to additional support towards housing expenses, heating costs, and Council Tax.

It's notable that securing even a minimal £1 weekly Pension Credit award could be the key to unlocking further financial assistance.