5 September 2024To increase Pension Credit take-up, The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have launched a new campaign, the Pension Credit Week of Action, whereby they are urging hundreds of thousands of pensioners to apply for a benefit that could be worth on average £3,900 per year.
With as many as 880,000 pensioners currently missing out, the campaign “aims to spread awareness and increase claims for Pension Credit, which from this year will also automatically passport eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.”
The department is joining forces with a range of partners, including charities, broadcasters, and local authorities, to “tackle myths that may prevent people applying, for instance having a small private pension, savings or owning their own home.”
Please note the qualifying week in 2024 for Winter Fuel Payments will be from 16 to 22 September. Pensioners need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day during these dates to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter. 21 December is the last date for backdating a claim for Pension Credit to 22 September, assuming the claimant met the Pension Credit entitlement conditions throughout the previous three months.
Applications for Pension Credit can be made:
- On the How to Claim page
- Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
- By printing out and filling in a paper application form
