The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit to ensure they receive this year’s winter fuel payment.
The move follows Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement that the government has made the difficult decision to make winter fuel payments a means-tested benefit, focusing on those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
This change is aimed at targeting support to those most in need in order to begin tackling the £22bn shortfall in public finances.
Work and Pensions secretary, Liz Kendall, said: “The £22bn black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.
“That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get pension credit. This government remains completely committed to pensioners which is why we’re protecting the income of more than 12mn pensioners through the triple lock.”
As of February 2024, London had the highest number of pension credit recipients, while the North East had the fewest. The DWP aims to increase pension credit uptake, with 1.3m households still set to receive winter fuel payments.
To help promote the initiative, Kendall and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner are planning to collaborate with local authorities, charities, and other groups for a ‘pension credit week of action’ in September to promote awareness.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has also highlighted the importance of supporting eligible pensioners during the winter, noting the government’s commitment to clean energy and the warm homes plan.
The government plans to identify households not currently claiming pension credit and is encouraging pensioners to apply by 21st December to receive the winter fuel payment.
Source: Khan, Alina. FT Adviser. August 2024. https://www.ftadviser.com/pensions/2024/08/20/pensioners-urged-to-check-eligibility-for-winter-fuel-payment/.