Sharp Rise in Pension Credit Sign-Ups Following New Winter Fuel Payment Policy

Registrations for pension credit have more than doubled following a new policy linking it to winter fuel payments. In the recent five-week period, 38,500 individuals enrolled, a significant increase from the 17,900 registrations in the prior five weeks. This surge occurred after Chancellor Rachel Reeves declared that receiving the winter fuel payment would now require a pension credit claim.

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Friday, September 6, 2024, 8:

Nearly 40,000 individuals have registered for pension credit following the government's announcement that it is required to receive the winter fuel payment.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves are considering cuts to the winter fuel allowance, potentially affecting millions of elderly individuals. Under their plan, only pensioners who receive pension credit would qualify for this financial support.

Ahead of winter, Labour is urging all eligible individuals to register for the credit.

Government data indicates a rise in new applicants following the announcement of the new policy on July 29.

The Department for Work and Pensions has seen pension credit claims soar by 115% in the five weeks following recent policy changes, compared to the five weeks prior.

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Over the last five weeks, registrations have surged to 38,500, a significant increase from the 17,900 recorded in the prior five-week period.

In 2022, government figures revealed that approximately 800,000 qualified pensioners failed to apply for the credit, marking an increase of more than double from previous years.

At the current rate of registrations, it would require approximately 100 weeks for all 800,000 individuals to complete the signup process.

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A representative from the government stated, "Considering the severe condition of the national budget that we've taken on, it is appropriate that we direct our assistance towards those who are most in need."

More than a million retirees will maintain access to the winter fuel allowance, and numerous others will additionally receive a £150 warm home discount starting in October to assist with their heating expenses during the colder months.

"There is a rising number of pension credit applications, and we persistently encourage retirees to verify if they qualify, ensuring that all those in need can benefit from this assistance."

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Ms. Reeves unveiled proposals to address what she describes as a £22 billion deficit in public funding, attributed to the previous administration.

The proposal has faced criticism from members of both the Conservative and Labour parties, with numerous MPs advocating for a gradual introduction or a rise in the eligibility limit for the fuel subsidy.

Next Tuesday, the House of Commons will hold a vote on the policy.

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