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Just over half of pension credit score claims processed in current months weren’t awarded, in line with authorities information obtained by a wealth administration agency.
Between April and December 1 2024, 91,000 pension credit score claims had been awarded whereas 92,000 weren’t, in line with information from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The figures had been obtained following a freedom of data (FOI) request by pension supplier and monetary adviser Quilter.
While this new information reveals {that a} important proportion of claimants are being denied pension credit score this could not cease folks making use of in the event that they assume they is perhaps eligible
Jon Greer, Quilter
The figures additionally present that, from April 2023 to March 2024, a barely larger variety of claims had been awarded (134,000) than people who weren’t (112,000).
In July, Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced the winter gas allowance for pensioners can be restricted to solely these claiming pension credit score or different means-tested advantages, as a part of measures geared toward filling a “black gap” within the public funds.
The variety of pensioners in receipt of the cost is predicted to fall by round 10 million, from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.
The figures had been launched forward of a deadline of December 21 for making a backdated declare for pension credit score to obtain the winter gas cost.
Jon Greer, head of retirement coverage at Quilter, mentioned: “With the final date for making a backdated declare for pension credit score to obtain the winter gas cost now simply days away, it’s vitally vital that pensioners on low incomes test their eligibility.
“While this new information reveals {that a} important proportion of claimants are being denied pension credit score this could not cease folks making use of in the event that they assume they is perhaps eligible.
“Pension credit score ensures a weekly earnings of £218.15 if you happen to’re single or £332.95 when you’ve got a accomplice. It additionally unlocks quite a lot of different advantages that may assist with housing prices, council tax, and heating payments.”
Over 1,000,000 pensioners will nonetheless obtain the winter gas cost, and our drive to spice up pension credit score take up has seen functions greater than double
Government spokesperson
Tom Selby, director of public coverage at AJ Bell, mentioned: “Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ controversial choice to means-test the winter gas cost means it’s extra vital than ever that low-income retirees declare pension credit score this 12 months.”
He added: “Even a declare for a small quantity of Pension Credit top-up throughout the ‘qualifying week’ of September 16 to 22 ought to set off a winter gas cost value as much as £300.
“Because of the best way the backdating guidelines work, the deadline for making a declare for this era is only a few days away on December 21.
“Alongside the earnings top-up and winter gas cost, these in receipt of pension credit score are additionally entitled a spread of different precious advantages, together with assist with heating prices, housing profit, dental remedy and free TV licences (for folks aged 75 or over).
“While the method of claiming pension credit score can really feel unfamiliar and intimidating, it’s value doing if you happen to assume you may qualify as you possibly can enhance your earnings by 1000’s of kilos.
“The DWP provides a helpful on-line device to test if you happen to may qualify for pension credit score earlier than going by the applying service, or you may contact the pension credit score declare line to debate your eligibility. Organisations like Citizens Advice and Age UK are additionally an awesome supply of unbiased data and assist.”
A Government spokesperson mentioned: “Over 1,000,000 pensioners will nonetheless obtain the winter gas cost, and our drive to spice up pension credit score take up has seen functions greater than double with over 40,000 extra pensioners now receiving it, in addition to the winter gas cost.
“We have deployed extra workers to help processing functions, seeing a 51% improve within the variety of cleared claims because the Chancellor’s announcement.
“Many others may even profit from the £150 heat dwelling low cost and chilly climate funds this winter whereas our extension of the family help fund will assist with the price of meals, heating and payments.”
Around 500 extra workers have been deployed to help processing functions, the Government has mentioned.
Disabled pensioners are supported by further incapacity advantages and can also be entitled to pension credit score, relying on their circumstances.
