WASPI slam DWP Pension Credit move and say it is 'no substitute for justice'

Waspi women have moved to slam the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Pension Credit drive as older people lose the £300 energy bill benefit. The Government's push for increased Pension Credit uptake comes as part of a broader strategy to support pensioners amidst rising energy costs and economic pressures.

But Angela Madden, the chair of Waspi, said: "No amount of 'drives' to take up Pension Credit can substitute for a proper resolution to the injustice meted out to Waspi women. We need to see equal drive in government to understand and implement the recommendations both of the independent parliamentary ombudsman and the cross-party pensions select committee."

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The £22billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we are having to take tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy – including making the Winter Fuel Payments available to those most at need."

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Reeves emphasised the importance of claiming Pension Credit, stating: "1.3 million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they're claiming pension credit – but thousands more are eligible. So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for Pension Credit."

Launching from today, the Pension Credit Week of Action seeks to raise awareness and increase claims for the benefit. This year, eligible pensioners claiming Pension Credit will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

The Government is urging families, friends, and neighbours to encourage retired loved ones to check their eligibility and apply. It aims to address the estimated 880,000 pensioners missing out on Pension Credit, a benefit worth an average of £3,900 per year.

It comes after the £300 payments were culled for pensioners not in receipt of Pension Credit a fortnight ago.