Pension Credit Claims Surge Amid Winter Payment Changes

A significant backlog in Pension Credit claims is threatening to leave tens of thousands of pensioners without their Winter Fuel Payments due by the end of the year. Since the government announced that these payments would be means-tested, weekly claims for Pension Credit surged from an average of 3,800 to approximately 9,400, creating a backlog of around 90,000 claims. Current processing times have increased to 65 working days, making it unlikely that claims submitted in November or December will be resolved in time for this winter's payments. The government has added 500 staff to expedite processing, yet more than 880,000 pensioners may miss out on crucial financial support. The deadline for applications is December 21, and older individuals are urged to apply even if they fear rejection, as approved claims can backdate up to three months. Despite criticisms of the means-testing policy, the government maintains that it is necessary due to fiscal constraints.