Labour launches Pension Credit 'drive' after backlash to Winter Fuel Payment means-testing

The Labour Government has launched a new "awareness drive" for Pension Credit following its decision to effectively axe the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners going forward.

In previous years, all older Britons were entitled to up to £300 in energy bills but households will now need to be in receipt of means-tested benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has received backlash from pensioners, policymakers and charities following her decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, especially as energy bills are projected to rise in line with Ofgem's price cap in October.

Earlier this month, the SNP-led devolved Government in Holyrood confirmed Scotland's equivalent benefit will be means-tested also in another blow to pensioner finances.

Some 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments, however Reeves and pension ministers are looking to boost uptake of Pension Credit.

Those in receipt of this means-tested income top-up for older Britons will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments and could slash their energy bills by up to hundreds of pounds.

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Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall are contacting local authorities and hope to have various charities involved in promoting the DWP benefit ahead of the yearly Pension Credit Week of Action.

As par of the "awareness drive", the Government will identify those not claiming the support and encourage older Britons to apply for Pension Credit by December 21 at the latest.

This date is crucial as it is the last day someone can make a backdates claim for the pensioner benefit in order to start claiming the Winter Fuel Payment for the year.

An estimated 1.4 million pensioners are already in receipt of Pension Credit but there are a projected 880,000 households not claiming who would otherwise be eligible.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The dire state of the public finances we inherited from the previous government means we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions.

"Our commitment to supporting pensioners remains, which is why we are maintaining the triple lock. We want pensioners to get the support they are entitled to. That’s why I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit."

Kendall added: "The £22billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.

"That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit. This government remains completely committed to pensioners which is why we’re protecting the income of over 12 million pensioners through the triple lock."

Older Britons who have a weekly income under £218.15 if they a single person or £332.95 if they are in couple are being urged to check their eligibility.

According to the DWP, the benefit worth on average £3,900 a year.

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It is also known as a "gateway benefit" for other support provided the Government, including help with housing costs and discounts on council tax

Anyone enquiring about their eligibility can use the DWP's calculator to see how much they could earn.

Applications can be made on Pension Credit's "How to Claim" webpage or by calling 0800 99 1234 anytime between 8am and 6pm between Monday and Friday.