Director of Policy & Influencing at Independent Age Morgan Vine said:
“The Pension Credit figures released today show that since April 2024, there have been 81,000 successful applications, of which 42,500 have come since the Winter Fuel Payment announcement on the 29th July. This is good news for those older people who are now receiving their entitlements, but this data shows that successful applications only increased by 17% between the 16 weeks before the announcement and the 16 week period after the announcement.
“It’s also worrying to see a 96% surge in unsuccessful applications from July, with 53,100 applicants not qualifying for the entitlement. This illustrates a desperate picture where people on low incomes are trying anything they can to see if there is support out there. Sadly, there is little hope of success for many, while people who are eligible may have to wait much longer than expected to be paid the money they’re entitled to.
“Linking the two entitlements together so quickly was misguided, and far too many older people on a low income will fall through the cracks. It’s clear from the influx of both successful and unsuccessful applications, that people in later life across the country are concerned about losing a vital lifeline. While we hope the increased rate in applications results in more people getting the Pension Credit they’re eligible for, we believe more time, and a strategic approach is needed.
“The UK Government has confirmed that waiting times for Pension Credit decisions have recently doubled to ten weeks. Our helpline has received many calls from older people who are frustrated and concerned about how long their application has been pending. In some cases, callers told us they have been waiting since May. This delay creates uncertainty that could increase the number of people making drastic and dangerous cutbacks. The people in later life we speak to have already been going to bed in hats and coats, washing in cold water and only heating one room. They urgently need reassurance from the UK Government that they will not be left out in the cold this winter.
“The latest figures show that in 2022/23 only 65% of eligible older people were receiving Pension Credit, meaning almost a million were missing out on vital financial support. Older people on low incomes need the UK Government to introduce a Pension Credit take-up strategy that outlines effective, long-term plans to target those eligible for support and get money directly into the pockets of those that desperately need it.”