The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people over 66 to do a “quick online application” which could “ unlock £4,200 per year on average in Pension Credit plus extra help with heating bills” including the £150 Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment. In two recent social media posts on X (formerly Twitter), DWP highlighted how it takes “roughly 16 minutes to apply online” for Pension Credit on GOV.UK .
The Department estimates some 760,000 people over State Pension age entitled to the means-tested benefit, but not claiming it. The Scottish Government recently announced that all State Pensioners will receive a payment of £100 next winter through the new benefit, however, those on Pension Credit will get either £200 or £300, depending on their age and household circumstances. Find out more about this here .
New claims for Pension Credit are processed - from initial application to award decision letter - within the target timeframe of 50 working days. This means older people on a low income making a new claim this month could receive their first payment and any arrears by the end of March. It’s crucial for all older people - single, married or cohabiting - to make sure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and offset the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit and is specifically aimed at provid.
