Pension credit claims have surged by 145% since the Government declared it would means-test the winter fuel payment, according to figures released on Thursday. In the 16 weeks following the July 29 announcement, around 150,000 individuals applied for the benefit, a stark increase from the mere 61,300 applications in the 16 weeks prior.
The number of successful claims rose by 17% to 42,500, while rejected claims nearly doubled to 53,100. This indicates that tens of thousands more people will now receive the payment.
The Department for Work and Pensions has been encouraging individuals to verify their Pension Credit eligibility following the Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment. Previously, all pensioners were eligible, with those born between September 23, 1944, and September 22, 1958, receiving £200 and those born before September 23, 1944, getting £300.
However, Labour’s decision after assuming power in July meant that only those receiving certain benefits would receive this winter’s payment. To qualify, pensioners must reside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and be in receipt of one of the specified benefits.
These are:
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income Support
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
They must also have been receiving a benefit during the qualifying week of September 16 to 22, 2024. Scotland operates a separate scheme.
