Pension Credit Week of Action

Up to 880,000 pensioners could be missing out on this cash boost worth on average up to £3,900 per year.

We can help you check if you are eligible and help you with the application. Don’t put off contacting us as there is a deadline to apply to ensure you receive the winter fuel allowance.

Following changes to the eligibility rules for Winter Fuel Payments, the DWP has launched a Pension Credit take-up campaign. Older people who are not currently getting Pension Credit should be encouraged to check whether they may be entitled to it along with other pension age benefits. 

The qualifying week for Winter Fuel Payment will be 16th to 22nd September 2024, so 21st December is the last date on which a fully backdated Pension Credit claim could bring about eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment.

The Pension Credit Week of Action aims to spread awareness and increase claims for Pension Credit, which from this year will also automatically allow eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

The campaign will tackle myths that may prevent people applying, for instance having a small private pension, savings or owning their own home. Families, friends and neighbours are being encouraged to reach out to retired family members to encourage them to check their eligibility and apply. While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit, up to an estimated 880,000 households are eligible for the support but are not claiming it.

• The Winter Fuel Payment is worth £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over. Households with someone aged 66-79 will receive £200.
• People who have reached State Pension age before September 23, 2024 and are in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support, Income based JSA, Income related ESA, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, will be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment – subject to eligibility conditions.
• The regulations to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment will be laid on 22 August 2024. The qualifying week in 2024 for Winter Fuel Payments will be from 16 to 22 September.
• Pensioners need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day in week September 16 to 22 to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter.
• 21 December is the last date for backdating a claim for Pension Credit to 22 September, assuming the claimant met the Pension Credit entitlement conditions throughout the previous three months.
• Anyone who is entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day of the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week will have automatic entitlement. There are some exceptions which are detailed on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility
• People do not have to do anything extra to backdate their claim. If they make their application online, they will automatically be asked if they would like to backdate it. If they make their application over the phone the advisor will talk them through this. 
• Around 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments due to some other pensioner households being eligible and expected extra Pension Credit take up due to this reform.