DWP December 21 cut off warning as million could miss payment

Actors Brian Cox, Jane Asher and Sue Holderness are calling on older people to check their Pension Credit eligibility before December 21, to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment this winter. The TV and film stars have teamed up with national charity Independent Age to highlight the importance of Pension Credit, with the latest figures showing that almost one million eligible people are missing out on the entitlement.

Sue Holderness, best known for playing Marlene in Only Fools and Horses, has encouraged older people to speak to Independent Age before the deadline, as the charity can run free welfare benefit checks and support people to apply.

In July the UK Government announced plans to start means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024/25. It will now only go to older people that receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit or other means-tested benefits. Successful Pension Credit applications made before December 21 can be backdated by up to three months. Applications can be made on the UK Government website.

Brian Cox said: “In a compassionate and just society, no one should have to worry about not being able to turn the heating on. Currently, 150,000 pensioners in Scotland live in poverty. Yet we know that around 90,000 older people are missing out on Pension Credit they are entitled to in Scotland. It has never been more important to ensure that everyone eligible for Pension Credit receives it.”

Jane Asher said: “I was astonished to read that almost one million eligible older people, living on low incomes, may miss out on this year’s Winter Fuel Payment simply because they don’t know how to access it. To receive this payment is their right and would prevent them making dangerous cutbacks. But support is at hand: Independent Age can help them to apply for Pension Credit and secure the Winter Fuel Payment they need and deserve this year.”

Sue Holderness said: “As we head into winter, it is vital that older people on a low income receive all the support they are entitled to, including Pension Credit which provides access to the Winter Fuel Payment. Speak to Independent Age to ensure you meet the deadline to apply.”

Alongside granting access to the Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Credit is an income top-up that on average is worth almost £4,000 year. It also acts as a gateway to other benefits such as a free TV licence for people aged over 75, council tax support, Housing Benefit, free eye tests and more.

Independent Age is a national charity focused on improving the lives of older people in financial hardship. Advisers from the charity perform welfare benefit checks to ensure older people are accessing all available support, including Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment. The free helpline can be reached on 0800 319 6789.

Joanna Elson, CBE, Chief Executive Officer at Independent Age, said: “Thank you to Brian, Jane and Sue for shining a light on Pension Credit, an extremely important entitlement that supports older people in financial hardship. The number of eligible people missing out is far too high.

“We are very concerned about the winter ahead. The people we speak to are already planning to make cutbacks on heating and eating, and going to drastic lengths such as visiting public places to stay warm. This shouldn’t be happening, so it’s vital more older people on a low income start receiving Pension Credit before the cutoff date, so they can top up their income and not miss out on the next Winter Fuel Payment.”

In England and Wales, you can get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2024/25 if all the following apply:

• you were born before 23 September 1958
• you were living in the UK during the 'qualifying week' – between 16 and 22 September 2024
• you were entitled to get Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits during the qualifying week.

In Scotland, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will eventually replace Winter Fuel Payment. But for winter 2024/25, people over State Pension age who qualify will receive a payment in line with the Winter Fuel Payment. This will also be means-tested. For more information, visit Gov.scot.

For more information, see Financial help in cold weather | Independent Age