Because of a strict DWP rule, thousands of state pensioners may miss out on a crucial benefit that could help them qualify for the winter fuel payment.
DWP Rule Prevents Thousands of Qualifying Pensioners from Claiming £3,900
By Chourouk Derkaoui
Published on 15 October 2024 19:27
A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rule prevents 60,000 pensioners from receiving Pension Credit, which is worth £3,900, even though they qualify. Tens of thousands of people who are old enough and in need of financial support are unable to claim this benefit from the DWP.
DWP Impact of Rules on Universal Credit and Access to Winter Fuel Payment
Thousands of people can't access Pension Credit even though they have low incomes, earning less than £218 a week. Since 2019, the rule states that if you are part of a couple where one person is over State Pension age and the other is under, you must apply for Universal Credit together instead of Pension Credit, reports BirminghamLive.
The rule has led to 60,000 people claiming Universal Credit instead of Pension Credit, causing them to miss out on other forms of support. According to Age UK, a leading charity, it is also harder to get Universal Credit backdated when applying.
To receive the Winter Fuel Payment of £300 this year, you need to have been claiming one of the qualifying benefits between September 16 and 22.
Two of these benefits are Pension Credit and Universal Credit. Most benefit claims can only be backdated by one month, so the deadline to apply is October 18.
Challenges in Backdating Universal Credit and Pension Credit Claims
Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months, so the deadline is December 21. However, due to stricter rules regarding Universal Credit, couples have a much harder time getting their claims backdated to cover the qualifying period, according to the charity.
Claimants can request backdating for their Universal Credit if they couldn't apply earlier due to reasons like disability or illness (which must be supported by medical evidence), DWP computer issues, or certain situations where a joint claim has ended or been denied.
According to Age UK, the DWP rarely approves backdating requests, meaning a mixed-age couple applying for Universal Credit now is unlikely to qualify.