The DWP is set to work with local authorities to check if older people in receipt of Housing Benefit could also be eligible for Pension Credit
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have announced that the Department for Work and Pensions will collaborate with local councils to ensure older individuals on Housing Benefit are also assessed for Pension Credit eligibility. This initiative is part of Labour's strategy to increase uptake of the benefit, which also grants access to the Winter Fuel Payment, potentially adding up to £300 annually.
During Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer informed the Commons that tough economic decisions have been made by the Labour Government to steady the nation's finances, including the implementation of means-testing for the Winter Fuel Payment, reports the Daily Record.
In a written statement on Wednesday, Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: "The Department has not made an assessment of the potential impact of means testing the Winter Fuel Payment on levels of fuel poverty in winter 2024-25.
How to check Pension Credit eligibility Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator available on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim at 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
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