The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urgently reminding state pensioners to claim Pension Credit to potentially increase their state pension.
DWP Urges Pensioners to Apply Now for a £4,000 Boost to Their State Pension
By Chourouk Derkaoui
Published on 6 November 2024 09:30
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit has been subject to a four-week warning. In the run-up to Christmas, thousands of people risk missing out on a £4,000 increase in their state pension, prompting the DWP to issue a four-week warning.
The DWP processes eight out of ten claims in less than 50 days, so state pensioners have been encouraged to apply for pension credit. This means that if customers apply this month, they could receive their first payment and any arrears by the end of December.
DWP Encourages Applications for Winter Fuel Payment Eligibility
In order to obtain the Winter Fuel Payment, pensioners are encouraged to apply before December 21, the deadline for backdating Pension Credit applications. This is part of the government's campaign to raise awareness of the program, which will also identify households not claiming the allowance.
Although around 1.4 million pensioners currently benefit from Pension Credit, up to 880,000 eligible households have yet to apply. Liz Kendall, Minister for Work and Pensions, declared:
“The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.
“That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit.”
DWP's Support for Low-Income Pensioners
Pensioners with a weekly income of less than £218.15 for an individual or £332.95 for a couple need to find out if they are eligible.
The Pension Credit has an average annual value of £3,900 and can also be used to provide additional financial help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills, and a £300 winter fuel payment. The Winter Fuel Payment will be automatically awarded to anyone eligible for Pension Credit for at least one day of the reference week.
Individuals can backdate their application without having to take any further steps. They will automatically be prompted to backdate their application if they submit it online. If the application is submitted by telephone, the advisor will guide the applicant through the entire process.