A charity supporting older people has called on the Government to “urgently simplify” the process of applying for pension credit so that they don’t miss out on “critical” financial support.
Age UK Cheshire said there had been a rise in the number of enquiries about pension credit, particularly as people become more aware of the proposed cuts to the winter fuel payment due to be announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves in October’s autumn budget. People claiming the credit are still eligible for the allowance.
But the charity feared that the “complex and lengthy application process”, which involved filling in a 22-page form, is a “significant barrier” for many older people, particularly those who may not be comfortable with paperwork or who do not have access to digital tools.
To qualify for pension credit, applicants must have a weekly income below £218.15 if single, or £332.95 if in a couple (slightly more for those who claim disability-related benefits or have caring responsibilities).
But a spokesperson for Age UK Cheshire said: “According to feedback from our services, many pensioners are discouraged from applying due to a perceived complexity in the process or fear of providing personal information.
“This is a serious concern, as it means many people miss out on critical financial support.”
The charity said it was “committed” to offering assistance, helping people navigate the form and ensuring that no one was deterred by the application’s length or difficulty.
Added the spokesperson: “We believe the Government should urgently simplify the process to encourage more take-up, particularly in light of the importance of pension credit in securing other benefits, such as the winter fuel payment.”
Age UK Cheshire also echoed Citizens Advice Cheshire’s comments in the “Chronicle” last week, urging older people who thought they were eligible to pension credit to get in touch, particularly now, as the Government’s proposed changes to the winter fuel payment will limit this support to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
Around 800,000 pensioner households in the UK are entitled to pension credit but are not claiming it.
The Age UK Cheshire spokesperson said: “This represents more than a third of eligible pensioners missing out on an average of £41 per week, which can make a significant difference in covering basic costs.
“We want to ensure that no one goes without the support they deserve, and we are here to provide practical help and guidance to those unsure about the application process.”
Rise
The charity said it expected the number of enquiries about pension credit to rise, as many who may not have considered themselves eligible now realise the importance of applying to safeguard access to the winter fuel payment and other financial assistance.
This can include help with cost of living payments, council tax discount, free television licence and help with NHS treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments.
The spokesperson added: “The planned cuts to the winter fuel payment will hit the most vulnerable older people hardest, particularly those just above the pension credit threshold or those who, despite being eligible, have not yet applied for it.
“We are deeply concerned that millions of older people who depend on this payment to stay warm during winter will no longer receive it. As the cuts will only allow those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits to retain the winter fuel payment, it is crucial that more people check their eligibility and apply as soon as possible.”
Friends, family, and healthcare professionals have also been encouraged to help older people navigate the application process and ensure they are claiming what they are entitled to.
Anyone who believes they are entitles to pension credit or wants help to fill in the application form should contact Age Concern Cheshire – call phone 01625 612 958 or email informationqs@ageukcheshire.org.uk.
To contact Citizens Advice Cheshire East call freephone 0808 812 6186 or go to citizensadvicee.org.uk/home/email-advice.
(Photo: Graham Moore / Dreamstime).
