Processing times for pension credit<\/strong> claims reached a record 87 working days in December 2024, far exceeding the Department for Work and Pensions\u2019 (DWP) 50-day target, according to figures obtained by financial adviser Quilter. This bottleneck coincided with a surge in applications triggered by recent changes to eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment<\/strong> scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The delays have raised concerns over the government\u2019s ability to manage increased demand following the tightening of rules that restrict Winter Fuel Payment eligibility to pensioners receiving means-tested benefits such as pension credit<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The timing of the December backlog was particularly significant, as it was the last chance for pensioners to submit backdated claims to qualify for up to \u00a3300 in energy bill assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Between late July 2024 and February 2025, the DWP received approximately 235,000 new claims for pension credit<\/a><\/strong>, marking an 81 per cent increase compared to the same period the previous year, according to official DWP data.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Quilter\u2019s Jon Greer<\/a>, head of retirement policy, described the situation as \u201ctoo long, especially when low-income pensioners rely on this support to heat their homes during winter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reforms to the Winter Fuel Payment, which restrict eligibility based on receipt of means-tested benefits<\/strong>, sparked widespread public opposition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Polling by YouGov cited by Quilter found that 59 per cent of the general public oppose the cuts, with opposition rising to 78 per cent among those aged 55 and over. The policy has proven deeply unpopular with older voters, a demographic that traditionally turns out in large numbers at elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Labour leader Keir Starmer<\/a> signalled a policy reversal during Prime Minister\u2019s Questions in early May, suggesting plans to broaden eligibility criteria following public backlash.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n