Nearly one million people urged to act as Winter Fuel Payments cut
About 880,000 people are not claiming Pension Credit despite being eligible, missing out on an average £3,900 a year.
The benefit tops up pension income to help those on low incomes pay for living costs. It also gives access to free dental and optical treatment, a free TV licence and free council tax, as well as other benefits such as Housing Benefit.
This year the Pension Credit will also see pensioners hold onto the Winter Fuel Payment that has been axed for millions of older people.
About 10 million pensioners in England and Wales will lose their Winter Fuel Payment from this year, worth between £100 and £300.
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves said only those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits will get the annual contribution towards energy bill costs.
The reduction of the payment from 11.4 million people to 1.5 million will save the Treasury £1.4bn this year.
But critics have argued it will see millions of older people choosing between heating and eating, especially as the energy price cap rises 10% to £1,717 this winter.
Read more: Average Cost of Electricity per kWh in the UK
Pension Credit eligibility
Many pensioners do not receive Pension Credit because they don't think they're eligible when in fact they are.
Pensioners - aged 66 or over - whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple could be entitled to Pension Credit.
Income includes the State Pension, other pensions, earnings from work, a number of social security benefits (you can find the list of benefits that are and aren't included here )
The benefit tops up income to those levels set out above but even if you have income higher than this level, you could still claim benefits if:
- You're a carer
- You have a severe disability
- You have savings
- You have housing costs
- You're responsible for a child or young person who lives with you.
You can check if you're eligible for Pension Credit using the Government's calculator.
Pension Credit apply
Pensioners can apply for Pension Credit at any time, from four months before they reach State Pension age. But to access the Winter Fuel Payment this year, applications must be made by December 21 2024.
That is the last date to be able to make a backdated claim for Pension Credit and then receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
To apply for Pension Credit you can either fill in details on the Government website here, or call 0800 99 1234.
You can also print out and post a claim form which is also available online here.
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