DWP awards 162,800 Pension credit claims since winter fuel payment change
This is a 57% rise, or 58,800 more awards, compared to the same period last year.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has awarded 162,800 Pension Credit claims since the winter fuel payment rules were changed to means-testing.
This is a 57% rise, or 58,800 more awards, compared to the same period last year.
Since the Government announced the changes to winter fuel payments, there were 285,600 Pension Credit claims between 29th July 2024 and 25th May 2025, a 51% increase or 96,200 more applications than the previous year.
In 2024/25, DWP received 321,000 Pension Credit applications, up 28% on 2023/24.
Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group, said: “The take up of Pension Credit has been subject to a harsh spotlight since the Government first limited the winter fuel payments to people who are in receipt of Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits.
“There has been a significant boost in take-up with more than 162,000 claims awarded since the means-testing of the winter fuel payment was introduced.
“This is a significant success that will see these low-income pensioner households receiving this much-needed financial support as well as unlocking the gateway to other valuable benefits, like the winter fuel payments and free TV license.”
Lowe added: “The Prime Minister recently confirmed that eligibility for winter fuel payments will be widened, but this should not distract attention from the important job of work to be done to increase the take up of Pension Credit.
Related
Three in five workers concerned about pension tax changes ahead of Autumn Budget – Penfold
Employee pension contributions rise to £3.2bn in Q1 – ONS
More than 320,000 pension pots withdrawn at rates of 8% or more – FCA
Five-year pension break could cost self-employed workers £31,000 – Standard Life
Pension ‘wingers’ could miss out on £95,000 in retirement – Standard Life
Just 4% of self-employed workers save into a pension, SPP finds
One in eight consumers transferred a pension between 2022 and 2025, data finds
One in six employers have never reviewed their workplace pension scheme, Everywhen finds
Nearly seven million adults have never checked State Pension forecast – HMRC
Westminster City Council records gender pension gap of 18.7%
TISA backs Value for Money framework, calls for consistent pension value rules