Pension Credit claims have skyrocketed (Image: Getty)
There has been a significant surge in Pension Credit claims since the decision to cut back Winter Fuel Payments. The latest government statistics reveal that 38,500 people have applied for Pension Credit within just five weeks of the announcement of restrictions to the by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
In contrast, only 17,900 people submitted a Pension Credit application in the five weeks prior to the announcement.
This development comes after the Chancellor confirmed on July 29 that Britons over the age would no longer automatically qualify for the . Instead, eligible claimants must now meet certain criteria to receive the support, including having a low income of £11,343. Essentially, only those getting Pension Credit or other means-tested help will now receive it.
The number of Winter Fuel Payments issued last year hit a record high of 11.6 million. According to data from the Department for Work and Pensions (), 214,000 more people received the payment last winter compared to the 11.4 million in 2022/23.
Commenting on the new figures, Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesperson Steve Darling stated: “Hundreds of thousands more pensioners are now set to lose out on these desperately needed payments that protect so many from having to choose between heating and eating.”
“Cutting these payments for pensioners, which include millions who are just scraping by and are now worried about how they will get through the winter, is totally wrong. It is not too late for this new Government to change course and Liberal Democrat MPs will push them every step of the way to reverse these cuts and protect vulnerable pensioners this winter.”
However, a government spokesperson countered: “We do not recognise these figures. We are committed to supporting pensioners with millions set to see their rise by £1,700 this Parliament through our commitment to the .
“Given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, it’s right we target support to those who need it most. Over a million pensioners will still receive the , while many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount to help with their energy bills over winter.”