Pension Credit Uptake 2024-11-11 (2)
2024-11-11
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Estimates show that over 800,000 pensioners are eligible for but not receiving Pension Credit. The Chancellor's decision to tie winter fuel allowance to Pension Credit will affect thousands of vulnerable pensioners.
What estimate her Department has made of the number of pensioners eligible for Pension Credit but not claiming it?
Estimates show that more than 800,000 pensioners—individual pensioners, not households—are entitled to pension credit but are not claiming it.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chancellor's decision to tie winter fuel allowance to Pension Credit will affect 16,577 pensioners in Wokingham. The uptake of Pension Credit is very low.
With 16,577 pensioners in Wokingham expected to be affected by the cuts, will she extend the deadline to apply for pension credit and consider pledging further support to increase take-up?
The deadline remains 21 December. Thanks to the Government's commitment to the triple lock, more than 12 million pensioners will see their pension increase by over 4% in April next year, up to £470. Over this Parliament, they will be better off by around £1,900. Low-income pensioners can apply for the warm home discount scheme and local authorities can target support on low-income pensioners through the household support fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Extending the deadline to apply for Pension Credit and pledging further support
Referring To Other Benefits
Response accuracy