The Pensions Minister informed me in October that the DWP had been given additional funding to improve processing times for Pension Credit applications. But recently released figures from the DWP shows that processing times have slowed since the Government took the decision earlier this year to restrict the Winter Fuel Payments.
Pension Credit is, despite successive campaigns, the most underclaimed benefit in the United Kingdom. To bring forward this policy so swiftly will have a cruel and tangible impact on pensioners across our community and the country this winter.
And what’s worse is that we have recently discovered the Government knew about the impact of this policy and that it could push 100,000 pensioners into relative poverty at the time of making this decision.
Earlier this week I raised concerns around the delays to processing times with the Pensions Minister.
Most importantly, if you or a loved one could be entitled to Pension Credit please do check your eligibility and apply via https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the freephone claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Successful claims made before 21st December 2024 will qualify for backdated Winter Fuel Payment and it’s vital that everyone who is entitled to this support receives it.
