In response to the latest Pension Credit take-up statistics, Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE, said:
“The Pension Credit figures released today show that since the announcement of the changes to the Winter Fuel payment in July 2024, there have been 117,800 successful applications. This is good news for people who are now receiving this entitlement, as they will be eligible for Pension Credit payments, next year’s Winter Fuel Payment, and the other forms of financial support that Pension Credit opens doors to. However, it is concerning that there were 114,500 unsuccessful applications. This represents a success rate of 51%. There is a story behind each application, and many people living on a low income would have applied in hope but found out they are just a few pounds above the Pension Credit threshold, meaning they also lost a vital lifeline in the Winter Fuel Payment.
“The influx of both successful and unsuccessful applications clearly illustrates that many older people were concerned about not having enough money to get through the winter. Our helpline received thousands of calls from people in later life that were looking for financial support and making drastic cutbacks just to get by, from going to bed in winter clothing to only having one meal a day. This is unacceptable.
“Linking Pension Credit to the Winter Fuel Payment so hastily was misguided. Almost one million eligible people do not receive Pension Credit, meaning they lost the Winter Fuel Payment despite living on a low income. In addition, there are many people hovering just above the Pension Credit threshold who will miss out despite not having enough money to live well. The UK Government must immediately review and widen the eligibility criteria of the Winter Fuel Payment, we can’t have another winter of discontent for older people on a low income. We’re also calling for the Government to initiate a benefits take-up strategy that includes Pension Credit, so more older people in financial hardship receive vital support they are entitled to."