Campaigners are warning that countless pensioners might miss out on vital winter fuel payments because they’re not claiming the benefits they deserve.
Shocking new stats have shown just a slight decrease in Pension Credit recipients over the last year, with DWP figures indicating nearly 40 percent of those eligible aren’t taking up the offer.
In a bid to tighten the purse strings, the Government has declared that only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will be eligible for winter fuel payments.
This controversial move was part of a package announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to plug a huge £22b deficit left by the Conservative party.
Pension Credit can mean an average boost of £3,900 annually, yet as of February, the DWP reported that 880,000 eligible individuals hadn’t claimed it.
Independent Age, a charity, believes about 1.2 million elderly people are affected, including those living with someone who hasn’t claimed the credit.
Joanna Elson, Chief Executive of Independent Age, commented: “The low take-up numbers show that now is not the right time to make changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, it’s dangerous and puts older lives at risk.”
She also highlighted that switching to means-testing winter fuel payments from Autumn doesn’t allow sufficient time to significantly increase Pension Credit claims.
“Our helpline regularly hears from frightened older people making cutbacks and looking for support, and in the days following the Winter Fuel Payment announcement, there has been an increase in calls regarding Pension Credit and other entitlements.”
The charity boss pushed for immediate action to ensure that all those eligible for the benefit secure it. According to a recent update from DWP, applications for Pension Credit have seen a decline due to the increasing state pension age.
However, they’ve noted that from February 2022 onwards, the number of claimants seems to have steadied. Just last week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner remarked: “There’s thousands of people who are eligible for Pension Credit that are not currently receiving it.”
Her appeal was aimed at listeners as she continued: “So my plea to people who are listening is to check out whether you’re eligible for Pension Credit; those who aren’t won’t and will continue to miss out on the winter fuel payment.”
A DWP spokesman said: “We are making every effort to promote Pension Credit to ensure pensioners receive all the support to which they are entitled, working closely with Local Authorities and partners, reaching the many pensioners who could still benefit from this year’s Winter Fuel Payments.”
