Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are set to miss out on over £4,000 a year that they’re entitled to.
Today the Government is launching a week of action saying this “needs to change”. Ministers called on everyone who is eligible to sign up for Pension Credit – which will also entitle pensioners to winter fuel payments, which are being scaled back.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates up to 880,000 older people are entitled to Pension Credit but do not claim it. This is worth an average of £3,900 a year, with winter fuel payments adding up to £300 on top of this.
The DWP says many wrongly think they don’t qualify because they have a small private pension, own their own home or have savings. In July Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that winter fuel payments would only be available to those claiming Pension Credit or other benefits, meaning around 10million will miss out.
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Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
The move comes as the Government grapples with a £22billion black hole left by the Tories. Ms Reeves said: “The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we are having to take tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy – including making the Winter Fuel Payments available to those most at need.
“1.3 million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they’re claiming pension credit – but thousands more are eligible. So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for pension credit.”
The decision to scale back winter fuel payments has sparked a backlash. Age UK estimates two million pensioners will be “seriously hit” by the move, and over 460,000 have signed a petition demanding a U-turn.
Around 1.4million currently claim pension credit, but it is believed over 2.2million qualify. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall added: “Thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit worth on average £3,900 per year. That needs to change.
“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.
“Friends, families and neighbours can also encourage their loved ones to apply, so that they are not missing out on this vital benefit.”
The Government is urging people to help elderly friends and relatives check if they are eligible and apply. It says December 21 is the last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The legacy of failure on energy policy we have inherited means energy prices are set to rise in autumn. We must ensure that pensioners in the greatest need get access to help with rising bills.
“We will do everything in our power to increase take up of Pension Credit to the 880,000 households who are yet to claim – opening the door to other vital support such as the Winter Fuel Payment.
How to check if you are eligible
- Applications for Pension Credit can be made:
- On the How to Claim page
- Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
- By printing out and filling in a paper application form
- For more information visit the Pension Credit GOV.UK page
- People who have reached State Pension age before September 23, 2024 and who get Pension Credit, Income Support, Income based JSA, Income related ESA, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, will be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment – subject to eligibility conditions.