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. Since July 29, around 74,400 applications have been logged, yet claims dipped to 11,800 in the week starting September 16, compared to 13,400 the previous week.
Remarkably, during the qualifying week for this years payment, nearly 92% of claims were made online. It’s crucial to note that new claims submitted before December 21 and subsequently approved will qualify for a retroactive Winter Fuel Payment ranging between £100 and £300.
A UK Government spokesperson emphasised the dedication to help pensioners, stating: “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.”
Meanwhile, a Labour spokespersonsaid: “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.”
“Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the household support fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”, reports the Daily Record.
Last year saw 11.6 million pensioners across Great Britain benefit from a Winter Fuel Payment, but following Labour’s decision to alter eligibility criteria in a bid to address a reported £22 billion deficit left by the Conservatives, approximately 10 million individuals above the State Pension age are set to lose out on this annual assistance for heating expenses.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has been actively encouraging older citizens to verify their eligibility for Pension Credit, which could secure access to Winter Fuel Payments. In a statement during the DWP’s recent Pension Credit Week of Action, Ms Kendall highlighted: “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 pointed out a significant issue, noting that “Thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit worth on average £3,900 per year. That needs to change.”
At the recent annual party conference in Liverpool, Ms Kendall informed activists and delegates that her Government had “done more to help the poorest pensioners in the last two months than the Tories did in 14 years”, including “the biggest ever drive to get pensioners on Pension Credit, backed by our commitment to the pensions Triple Lock”.
However, a vote on Wednesday saw conference attendees condemn the introduction of means-testing for the Winter Fuel Payment. A successful union-backed motion called on the Chancellor to “reverse the introduction of means-testing for the Winter Fuel Allowance”.
Currently, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 residing in Scotland, are receiving Pension Credit. Despite this, the latest DWP figures suggest there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.
Some elderly individuals believe that having savings or owning their home makes them ineligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to assistance with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.