More pensioners have had their pension credit claims denied than granted in the past nine months, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.
Some 92,000 pension credit claims were rejected by the government between April and December this year while 91,000 claims were awarded.
This means over half of those applying will miss out on the winter fuel payment – axed for most pensioners by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July this year –wealth management firm Quilter, which conducted the research, said.
In comparison, between April 2023 and March 2024, the number of claims accepted was higher than those rejected at 134,000 and 112,000 respectively, the data showed.
The news comes just ahead of a major deadline to apply for pension credit in order to get this year’s winter fuel payment, worth between £200 and £300.
Final applications for the cash boost – which used to be available to all pensioners – must be in by 21 December.
To be eligible, you need to be at least state pension age – 66 – and receive a qualifying means-tested benefit, like pension credit.
In order to successfully get pension credit, you need to meet the following criteria:
You must have reached state pension age. You must live in the UK. Your weekly income should be below £218.15 if you’re single, or £332.95 if you’re in a couple. If you have a disability or caring responsibilities, you might still qualify with a slightly higher income. If you have savings and investments over £10,000, each £500 above this amount counts as £1 in additional income per week when calculating eligibility. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.If you are awarded pension credit, you may also be eligible for several additional benefits including a free TV license if you’re 75 or older, which covers everyone living at your address.
You might also get help with your rent through housing benefit, a discount on your council tax, and other benefits that can ease financial pressure.
People who are not receiving pension credit or another qualifying benefit will no longer receive the fuel payment, a decision that was met with anger from campaigners and elderly people across the country.
According to estimates published in October, more than 800,000 pensioners are eligible for pension credit but not claiming it.
It can top up someone’s income to £218.15 per week for single people and £332.95 per week for couples.
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Read MoreJon Greer, head of retirement policy at Quilter, said: “With the last date for making a backdated claim for pension credit to receive the winter fuel payment now just days away, it is vitally important that pensioners on low incomes check their eligibility.
“While this new data shows that a significant proportion of claimants are being denied pension credit this should not stop people applying if they think they might be eligible.
“Pension credit also unlocks a variety of other benefits that can help with housing costs, council tax, and heating bills.
“If you are unsure about your eligibility, an online pension credit calculator can provide an estimate of potential benefits.
“Applying is simple and can be done online, by printing and completing a paper form, or by calling 0800 99 1234.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has tried to boost its uptake, but many eligible pensioners are still yet to apply.
The lack of take-up is largely attributed to a lack of awareness it exists, despite the DWP’s awareness drive.
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible, or anyone with relatives or loved ones over the state pension age who they believe may be entitled to pension credit, should check the criteria and ensure their application is submitted before next week’s deadline.
Pension credit is made up of two parts. The first is a guarantee credit, which tops up your weekly income to the minimum guaranteed level. The second is a savings credit, which provides a small top up for people who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016 and have a modest amount of income.
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