DWP warns state pensioners over 'deadline' which looms in just four days

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a four-day warning to UK households over claiming Pension Credit - with the deadline to backdate Winter Fuel Payments, which are worth £300 to eligible state pensioners, looming.

The deadline of December 21 looms for pensioners to submit a backdated claim for pension credit in order to qualify for the £300 allowances. Jon Greer, head of retirement policy at Quilter, said: "With the last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit to receive the winter fuel payment now just days away, it is vitally important that pensioners on low incomes check their eligibility.

"While this new data shows that a significant proportion of claimants are being denied pension credit this should not stop people applying if they think they might be eligible." He added: "Pension credit guarantees a weekly income of £218.15 if you're single or £332.95 if you have a partner. It also unlocks a variety of other benefits that can help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills."

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Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, said: "Chancellor Rachel Reeves' controversial decision to means-test the winter fuel payment means it is more important than ever that low-income retirees claim pension credit this year."

Mr Selby said: "Even a claim for a small amount of Pension Credit top-up during the 'qualifying week' of September 16 to 22 should trigger a winter fuel payment worth up to £300. Because of the way the backdating rules work, the deadline for making a claim for this period is just a few days away on December 21.

"Alongside the income top-up and winter fuel payment, those in receipt of pension credit are also entitled a range of other valuable benefits, including help with heating costs, housing benefit, dental treatment and free TV licences (for people aged 75 or over). While the process of claiming pension credit can feel unfamiliar and intimidating, it is worth doing if you think you might qualify as you could boost your income by thousands of pounds.

"The DWP offers a useful online tool to check if you might qualify for pension credit before going through the application service, or you can contact the pension credit claim line to discuss your eligibility. Organisations like Citizens Advice and Age UK are also a great source of independent information and help."

A Government spokesperson commented: "Over a 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 have deployed additional staff to support processing applications, seeing a 51% increase in the number of cleared claims since the Chancellor's announcement. Many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount and cold weather payments this winter while our extension of the household support fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills."