People told to apply this week for DWP payments worth £3,900

The Government is launching a campaign to encourage more pensioners to claim pension credit, as it plans to limit winter fuel payments to those most in need. The Pension Credit Week of Action aims to prompt retirees to check their eligibility for the benefit and apply if they qualify.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that around 880,000 eligible pensioners are currently not claiming pension credit, missing out on an average of £3,900 annually. This initiative comes amidst growing criticism of the Labour Government's policy to end universal winter fuel payments and limit them to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

Approximately 10 million pensioners are expected to lose their winter fuel payments due to this policy, which is part of the Government's strategy to address a £22 billion deficit. Ahead of Monday's launch, Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated: "The £22 billion black hole inherited from the previous governments means we are having to take tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy including making the winter fuel payments available to those most at need."

She added: "(A total of) 1.3 million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they're claiming pension credit but thousands more are eligible. So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for pension credit."

Pensioners whose weekly income falls below £218.15 for single individuals or £332.95 for couples are being encouraged to utilise the DWP's online calculator to assess their eligibility for payments.

The Government has stated that those with a severe disability, carers, and individuals