Brits only have until the end of today to secure their eligiblity for the Winter Fuel Payment. While most people will now be unable to apply for the Winter Fuel Payment, some may still be able to become eligible via Pension Credit.
This key benefit offers an average of £3,900 annually, and can also provide access to additional support with housing costs and energy bills. In order to be eligible, pensioners must apply for Pension Credit by the end of December 21.
Recipients of this benefit are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 each year. However the cash help has been restricted for many in England and Wales due to new means-testing measures introduced by the government.
Eligibility extends to anyone over the state pension age with a low income. It's possible to receive the benefit even if you have other income, a pension, savings, or own property.
Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds said earlier this week: "We won't reconsider that decision because in a very tight fiscal environment when we inherited a £22 billion black hole from the party opposite, we had to take some very tough decisions."
She added: "What I will say is, he's given me the opportunity to remind people that they have until Saturday to make a pension credit claim which can be backdated and which will passport them to winter fuel payments and other related benefits."
Last month, Liz Kendall, DWP Secretary, highlighted that approximately 800,000 individuals in Britain entitled to Pension Credit are not claiming it. This means they are missing out on extra income up to £2,677 annually and potentially over £10,000 in other benefits.
By not taking advantage of Pension Credit, British citizens collectively fail to claim over £1 billion. This benefit is designed for those above the State Pension age with modest income, offering assistance with housing costs such as rent.
Pension Credit is still claimable by people with additional income, savings, or homeownership. Eligibility for Pension Credit can be checked using the government's online eligibility calculator, and claims can be made via the government website.