DWP issues Pension Credit update with 'clear message' as claims soar

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Pension credit applications have surged by nearly 150 per cent following the government's decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment this year, according to recent statistics.

However, only 42,500 claims have been successful during this time – which represents less than 5 per cent of the 880,000 eligible individuals the government identified as not receiving the benefit back in July.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced at the end of July that only certain benefits recipients, including those on Pension Credit, would qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment.

Since then, around 150,000 pension credit claims have been lodged over 16 weeks. READ MORE: The Greater Manchester pension pot critics say is ‘funding climate change and war’ Ms Reeves said that this policy change would save approximately £1.5 billion and was necessary to address a £22 billion "black hole" in public finances, which Labour attributes to the previous Conservative administration.