The government has launched a pension credit awareness campaign following changes to the Winter Fuel Payment scheme. Previously, the Winter Fuel Payment was a universal benefit available to all pensioners. However, last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced a means test, restricting the payments to only those on pension credit.
Did you know, your family, friend, neighbour or loved one could be eligible for an average £3,900 extra a year through Pension Credit?
Find out more https://t.co/N9h7Dk3tDW
— Department for Work and Pensions (@DWPgovuk) August 20, 2024
Labour’s decision to snatch Winter Fuel Payments from millions of pensioners came just weeks after an election campaign where they claimed to have no plans to do this. Yet they can find the cash for inflation-busting pay offers to the Unions. Disgraceful. https://t.co/dVLZjhTO43
— Mel Stride (@MelJStride) August 17, 2024
Reeves stated that the change was necessary due to the poor state of public finances inherited from the previous administration. The government has faced criticism and calls to reverse the means-testing, with warnings that it could force millions of pensioners to choose between eating a hot meal or turning on the heating this winter. While the government estimates that 1.3 million households will still receive the payments, analysis suggests that around 130,000 people may miss out because they are slightly over the threshold for pension credit.
I really don’t think Labour has any comprehension of the devastation they are causing nearly 10million pensioners by depriving them of their Winter Fuel Payments.
Wake up Labour & reverse this cruel policy. https://t.co/RvVkvGDBy7 pic.twitter.com/DQaxueshqs
— Esther McVey (@EstherMcVey1) August 17, 2024
Pension credit application encouragement
Campaigners argue that the pension triple lock will not be enough to offset the loss of the winter fuel payment, estimating that about 850,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming pension credit. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall are collaborating with local authorities and charities for the annual Pension Credit Week of Action in September.
The awareness drive aims to identify households not claiming the benefit and encourage pensioners to apply by December 21 to receive the winter fuel payment. The government hopes to tackle myths that may prevent people from applying, such as beliefs that having savings, a pension, or owning a home are barriers to receiving pension credit. Over the next five years, the state pension is expected to increase for over 12 million pensioners due to the triple lock, and the warm homes plan will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating.
Liz Kendall emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting low-income pensioners despite financial challenges, urging pensioners or their loved ones to check if they could get pension credit. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added that it is imperative for those eligible to get the support they need this winter, and the government will do everything it can to roll out pension credit.
