The DWP said it was 'a scandal' that over 800,000 pensioners are losing out on Pension Credit, a benefit that is worth around £3,900 a year
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has dismissed any "tension" between plans to limit Winter Fuel Payments to the poorest pensioners and an increase in older people claiming Pension Credit. Winter Fuel Payments, worth up to £300 annually, will now only be issued to older individuals receiving means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit, Tax Credits or Universal Credit , as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July.
When asked if this would be the case regardless of costs to the Government, she added: "Regardless, because they are entitled to it. That is what I want to see." "We have got more people doing this online now but we have got to solve that and I think it should not be beyond the wit of man or even womankind to actually solve this problem which is why ultimately we have got to make this a much more automatic entitlement."
Who is eligible for Pension Credit? Pension Credit comes in two forms: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be of State Pension age . Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government deems necessary for living.
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