DWP sending vital letter to millions of state pensioners born before 1959
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending a letter to millions of state pensioners which could unlock a £3,900 boost. The DWP is writing to 11 million people this month urging them to check if they qualify for tension Credit.
This letter is being sent to people who could be eligible and who should make further enquiries. Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, remarked: "Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ controversial decision to means-test the winter fuel payment means it is more important than ever that low-income retirees claim pension credit this year."
He continued: "Even a claim for a small amount of Pension Credit top-up during the ‘qualifying week’ of September 16 to 22 should trigger a winter fuel payment worth up to £300. Because of the way the backdating rules work, the deadline for making a claim for this period is just a few days away on December 21.
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"Alongside the income top-up and winter fuel payment, those in receipt of pension credit are also entitled a range of other valuable benefits, including help with heating costs, housing benefit, dental treatment and free TV licences (for people aged 75 or over)."
"While the process of claiming pension credit can feel unfamiliar and intimidating, it is worth doing if you think you might qualify as you could boost your income by thousands of pounds."
"The DWP offers a useful online tool to check if you might qualify for pension credit before going through the application service, or you can contact the pension credit claim line to discuss your eligibility. Organisations like Citizens Advice and Age UK are also a great source of independent information and help."
A Government spokesperson said: "Over a million pensioners will still receive the winter fuel payment, and our drive to boost pension credit take up has seen applications more than double with over 40,000 more pensioners now receiving it, as well as the winter fuel payment."
"We have deployed additional staff to support processing applications, seeing a 51% increase in the number of cleared claims since the Chancellor’s announcement."