In the period following the announcement of Winter Fuel Payment means-testing (29 July 2024-25 May 2025), DWP received 285,600 Pension Credit claims – a 51% increase, or 96,200 extra applications, compared to the same period the previous year. Of these, 162,800 Pension Credit claims have been awarded, a 57% increase or 58,800 extra awards on the comparable period a year previous
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at retirement specialist Just Group, commented: “The take up of Pension Credit has been subject to severe scrutiny since the Government first limited the winter fuel payments to people who are in receipt of Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
“There has been a significant boost in take-up with more than 162,000 claims awarded since the means-testing of the winter fuel payment was introduced. This is a notable success that will see these low-income pensioner households receiving this much-needed financial support as well as unlocking the gateway to other valuable benefits, like the winter fuel payments and free TV license.
“Despite the Government confirming that eligibility for winter fuel payments will be widened, this should not distract attention from the important job of work to be done to increase the take up of Pension Credit. This benefit is specifically targeted at the poorest retirees, and it remains a concern that there are still hundreds of thousands of pensioners that are entitled to Pension Credit payments but not receiving it.
“Now is not the time to lose momentum on the good progress that has been made in making sure this important benefit reaches the remaining number of pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming.
“These people may be failing to claim for a number of reasons – they may simply be unaware of the benefit, not know how to claim or assume they are not eligible if they own their own home. Just’s research conducted this year among people aged over 66 found that four in 10 (40%) homeowners and one in seven (15%) of renters had never checked their benefit entitlement.
“The Government’s awareness drive is having a positive impact with the number of claims increasing noticeably, but there are people still missing out on this valuable help. If you think you, or a member of your family, may be entitled to Pension Credit there are a range of free resources to help check eligibility. The government website has links to useful third-party calculators (https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators) while other good sources are Citizens Advice, local councils and charities.”
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