DROITWICH MP Nigel Huddleston is urging constituents to check their eligibility for pension credit as those receiving it will ensure the continuation of their winter fuel payments if recent changes have made them ineligible.
Around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving pension credit, however an estimated 880,000 households are eligible but are not claiming it – including many in the Droitwich and Evesham constituency.
Benefits for pensioners are a hot topic at the moment as recent Labour government changes mean millions will lose out on previously available winter fuel payments.
These payments are now means tested and eligibility relies on receiving one of a new list of benefits including pension credit.
Mr Huddleston said: “Over the last few years I have been encouraging constituents to check their eligibility, as there will be many who are missing out on this benefit.
“But this year it is even more important that my constituents check their eligibility following the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments announced by the new Government.”
Pension Credit could be worth on average £3,900 per year, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) regularly conduct campaigns to increase the uptake of this benefit.
Previous campaigns have had an overwhelmingly positive effect, with the number of applications increasing by around 75 per cent in the 12 months to May 2023, for example, compared with the same period in 2022.
Anyone receiving pension credit will be automatically enrolled to receive the winter fuel payment.
Mr Huddleston added: “I again urge all constituents in Drotiwich, Evesham and the villages to see if they qualify for this vital support.”
Visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or call 0800 99 1234 for more information.
