UK Pension Credit and Housing Benefit to Merge

The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is merging Pension Credit and Housing Benefit for pension-age individuals into a single benefit, aiming to simplify claims and enhance support. Despite a recent awareness campaign, around 700,000 eligible retirees are still missing out on Pension Credit, which not only boosts income but also entitles them to additional benefits like Winter Fuel Payments. With a deadline of December 21, pensioners are urged to apply to receive backdated payments and avoid missing out on this year's Winter Fuel Payment. Meanwhile, a substantial backlog of unprocessed claims raises concerns about delayed payments, with the DWP deploying extra staff to address this issue. Additionally, a petition is demanding an increase in state pension payments to align with the National Living Wage, highlighting ongoing debates about pension adequacy. Moreover, private initiatives like Octopus Energy’s fund aim to provide financial relief to those ineligible for government support due to recent policy changes.