Warning as pensioners missing out on Winter Fuel Payments – check if you’re affected

Pensioners are being encouraged to claim  before the December 21 deadline to qualify for .

The Labour Government has but pensioners can still apply for It before Saturday (December 21).

If successful, they will then be able to receive the Winter Fuel Payments. Almost half of all claims (49.3%) made between April to December this year were approved, according to thisismoney.co.uk, so making an application has been worth it for many people.

The uptake of Pension Credit varies across the country. According to new figures from the House of Commons, just 11.5% of people on the in the UK were also receiving Pension Credit in May of this year.

However, in the Appleton neighbourhood of Warrington, just 1.0% of the area’s pensioners also receive pension credit. That’s the lowest proportion outside of Scotland where the devolved government has said it will keep up Winter Fuel Payments.

By contrast, almost all of the pensioners in Aldershot Town in Hampshire (95.9%) are on Pension Credit, so they will still receive the .

Using our interactive map below, you can see how many people are set to miss out in your neighbourhood.

Chancellor announced in July that the winter fuel allowance for pensioners would be limited to only those claiming Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits as part of measures to fill a disputed “black hole” in the public finances.

The controversial move sparked an ongoing political row as well as warnings some pensioners could die as a result of losing the payment.

Asked on Wednesday (December 18) if the Department of Health and Social Care has done any assessments on potential deaths, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said pensioners would be better off.

He told Parliament: “Because of the choices that the Chancellor has made, particularly on protecting the through the – even taking into account the decisions she’s taken on winter fuel allowance – pensioners will still be better off this winter than they were last winter, and will be better off next winter further still.

“And of course, one of the reasons it gives me the confidence to stand by that assertion is she has protected winter fuel allowance for the poorest pensioners and put in place financial support, which I think will make a real difference to people.”

Asked if he meant not a single pensioner will die because of the move, Mr Streeting said: “I can stand by very strongly the sense that because the is rising in the way that it is, and because of the decisions the Chancellor has taken to protect the poorest pensioners – I admit an unpopular decision with people who’ve lost a winter fuel allowance – but not one that will lead to that fatalistic outcome.”

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Prime Minister Sir of “punching the British people in the face” during Wednesday’s weekly clash in the Commons.

Mrs Badenoch told the Commons: “The truth is, this winter, people will be suffering because of his choices. The economy is shrinking, inflation is going up, and jobs are being lost because of his budget.

“Pensioners won’t be able to heat their homes because of his Government’s decisions. They raised people’s hopes but then smashed them with broken promises.”

Sir Keir shot back, pointing to Government plans, including “record” funding for the NHS, trains, buses and potholes on top of pay rises for three million of the lowest paid.

People who want to apply for Pension Credit can do so online . Claims can also be made by phone to the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234 or textphone 0800 169 0133.