Pensioners warned just hours left to claim key benefit and access Winter Fuel Payment

Pensioners are being warned not to miss a deadline to access key benefits.

The cut-off for making a claim for Pension Credit to qualify for the 2024/25 winter fuel payment is midnight on December 21.

A phone line for people making a claim for the first time is being opened between 8am and 3.15pm today, Saturday, on 0800 99 1234.

The government estimates that 760,000 pensioner households are eligible for pension credit but do not claim it.

But following Chancellor Rachel Reeves announcement earlier this year, only those claiming the benefit, or other means-tested benefits, can now access the Winter Fuel Payment.

Martin Lewis among those urging pensioners not to miss out and is encouraging people to help older family members or friends to apply before tonight's deadline.

Pension Credit is worth more than £4,000 each year in additional financial support and opens the door to other help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and free TV licences for the over 75s.

It tops up weekly incomes to £218.15 for a single pensioner or £332.95 for a joint weekly income for those with a partner.

A government spokesperson said: “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.

“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 will receive their payment.”