DWP ramping up its 'action' on state pensioners starting 'this week'

The Department for Work and Pensions is ramping up its "action" to increase Pension Credit claims. During the Week of Action, set to commence in September, from September 2, the DWP and its partners will be tackling some of the myths that may stop people applying.

It includes how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving Pension Credit. This work builds on last year’s Invitation to claim pilots, where letters and leaflets were targeted at households already in receipt of Housing Benefit, but not claiming Pension Credit in ten local authorities.

This work comes alongside wider plans to ensure economic stability for pensioners by protecting the Triple Lock, improving energy security and keeping energy bills low through the Warm Homes Plan and cutting NHS waiting lists.

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Over the next five years over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pension increase by thousands of pounds as a result of the commitment to the Triple Lock, the new Labour Party government - which won the general election in July - says.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible. It is worth on average £3,900 a year and can also open doors to further financial help, such as housing costs, council tax, and heating bills, and the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.

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 and Universal Credit, will be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment.

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.