Pension credit claims rocket in wake of Winter Fuel Payment slimdown

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Pension credit claims have hit almost 75,000 amid Government efforts to boost benefits take-up. Department for Work and Pensions figures released on Friday showed the Government received around 74,400 pension credit claims in the eight weeks since July 29, when Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced means testing for the winter fuel payment.

This is up from 29,500 claims in the eight weeks before the announcement. READ MORE: Four people in 'serious condition' in hospital after car involved in early hours crash But in the seven days beginning on September 16, the department received 11,800 claims, down from 13,400 the week before.

The vast majority (91.8%) of claims made in the week beginning September 16 were made online. A Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting pensioners, with millions set to see their state pension rise by £1,700 this parliament through our commitment to the triple lock. “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 winter fuel payment, and our drive to boost pension credit take-up has already seen a 152% increase in claims. “Many others will also benefit from the £150 warm home discount to help with energy bills over winter while our extension of the household support fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.” Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has previously urged pensioners to check if they are eligible for the benefit, which would unlock winter fuel payments of up to £300.

The Labour Government scaled back the previously universal cash packages so only claimants of certain benefits, including pension credit and universal credit, will