DWP issues State Pension ‘check now’ warning as thousands missing out | Personal Finance | Finance

Pensioners have been urged to check their eligibility for Pension Credit to secure this year’s Winter Fuel Payment. The Winter Fuel Payment will be means-tested, can be worth up to £300 and is aimed at those most in need.

In England and Wales, around 1.3 million households will receive the Winter Fuel Payments. The government is determined to ensure all people eligible for Pension Credit continue to get support.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary are writing to Local Authorities and will join forces with them, older peoples’ charities, and other groups this September for its annual Pension Credit Week of Action.

To identify households not claiming this benefit, the government are hoping raising awareness will help people recognise they are eligible and come forward. Applications need to be made by December 21 which is the deadline for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit to receive the payment.

In the UK, there are around 1.4 million pensioners receiving Pension Credit, with an estimated 880,000 households eligible for support but yet to claim.

To apply, you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.

When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.

Pension credit will top up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.

If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.

During the Week of Action, set to commence in September, the DWP and its partners will be tackling some of the myths that may stop people applying, such as how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving Pension Credit.