Government launches drive to get more pensioners claiming pension credit

Pensioners are being urged to check if they’re eligible for pension credit so that they can secure a winter fuel payment.

The drive comes after the government withdrew winter fuel payments to everyone over the state pension age. This winter, winter fuel payments will be means-tested, meaning only pensioners who receive pension credit will get the payment, worth up to £300.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was limiting winter fuel payments to ‘those most in need’ to help plug a £22bn hole in public finances, which Labour says the Conservatives have left them with.

The move has been heavily criticised by charities with more than 370,000 people signing the Age UK petition against the withdrawal.

Last year 11.4 million households received a winter fuel payment. Around 1.3 million will continue to receive it this year. But an estimated 130,000 pensioners are set to miss out on the vital support because they are up to £500 a year over the threshold. Experts warn that these pensioners might end up worse off than some who qualify for pension credit.

The government wants to get more pensioners to check their eligibility for pension credit and apply before 21 December – the last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit to be able to receive a winter fuel payment this year.

Around 1.4 million pensioners already receive pension credit but there are up to 880,000 households who are eligible for the support but have failed to claim.

What is pension credit?

Pension credit is separate from the state pension. It is extra money to help pensioners on a low income with living costs.

Pension credit is worth on average £3,900 a year and can also open doors to further financial help, such as housing costs, council tax, heating bills and the winter fuel payment worth up to £300.

If you get pension credit you might also be entitled to other help like:

• housing benefit if you rent your home
• interest payments if you own your own home
• a free TV licence if you’re over 75
• help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
• help to heat your home
• a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you move house

Who is eligible for pension credit?

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should be eligible for pension credit.

Pensioners who own their own home, have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible.

Use our online benefit checker to see if you’re eligible for pension credit.

What are winter fuel payments?
The winter fuel payment is an annual payment to help pensioners with heating costs during the colder months.

Anyone over state pension age received it until 2024 when the government announced it would become means-tested.

Only those receiving pension credit now receive a winter fuel payment.

How much is the winter fuel payment worth?

The winter fuel payment is worth £300 for a household with someone aged 80 or over. And £200 for households with someone aged 66-79.