Pensioners urged not to miss key winter fuel payment deadline on Saturday

Pensioners are being reminded to not miss a crucial deadline, which might enable them to claim the winter fuel payment – contingent on a successful pension credit application. The final date for submitting a claim for pension credit that would allow for eligibility for the 2024/25 winter fuel payment is today - Saturday December 21.

Online applications must be completed by 11:59pm on the same day. Additionally, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that claim phone lines will be active on December 21 from 8am until 3:15pm.

It's estimated by the Government that there are 760,000 pensioner households that could claim pension credit but don't. Back in July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the winter fuel allowance for pensioners would be restricted exclusively to those on pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

This move is part of broader strategies to tackle a "black hole" in public finances. Consequently, the number of pensioners receiving the payment is anticipated to drop significantly, by about 10 million, going from 11.4 million down to 1.5 million.

A Government spokesperson commented: "Over one million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, and our drive to boost pension credit take-up has seen applications more than double with over 40,000 more pensioners now receiving it, as well as the winter fuel payment."

Adding further encouragement, they stated: "We continue to urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to pension credit to check now, as all eligible claims can be backdated, and anyone who makes a successful claim before December 21 will receive their payment."

Pension credit provides crucial financial assistance by boosting the income of low-income pensioners, as well as being a key to accessing further aid with expenses. Jon Greer, head of retirement policy at Quilter, emphasised this week, "It is vitally important that pensioners on low incomes check their eligibility."

Pension credit raises weekly income to £218.15 for single pensioners and to £332.95 for couples.

Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, also stressed the importance of timely claims this week, stating, "Even a claim for a small amount of pension credit top-up during the ‘qualifying week’ of September 16 to 22 should trigger a winter fuel payment worth up to £300."

He added a crucial reminder: "Because of the way the backdating rules work, the deadline for making a claim for this period is... on December 21." The Government has responded by deploying an additional 500 staff to expedite application processing. Extra disability benefits bolster disabled pensioners, who may also qualify for pension credit based on their situation.

Pensioners – and their families – are encouraged to learn more about their entitlements and how to claim pension credit through gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.

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