Introduction: There is great news for pensioners in Britain The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has proposed to provide additional assistance of up to £3,900 in 2025, which can directly benefit millions of senior citizens. This change has come due to changes in the rules of Winter Fuel Payment, which has led to a big jump in the number of people applying for Pension Credit.
More than living of payment 74,000 pensioners have applied in just 8 weeks from July till now. The question is – are you also eligible for this assistance amount? Let us understand in detail what this scheme is, who will get its benefit, and how you can apply for it.
Reason for increase in pension credit
Winter Fuel Payment will now be available only to those who are above the State Pension Age and are taking advantage of a means-tested benefit (such as Pension Credit). If you are not yet part of any eligible benefit scheme, you may miss out on this payment.
£100 to £300 support: backpay options
If you apply for Pension Credit before 21 December 2025, you can still receive backpay of the Winter Fuel Payment, which can amount to between £100 and £300. With electricity and heating costs rising over the winter, this help can be hugely beneficial.
Other support schemes from the DWP
The Government has launched a number of other support schemes for people affected by these changes:
| Initiative | Benefit |
| State Pension Rise | Up to £1,700 increase during the current Parliament |
| Warm Home Discount | One-time £150 discount on energy bills |
| Household Support Fund | Assistance for food, heating, and essential needs |
| Scotland Aid | £79 million fund for Scottish households in need |
Who will be excluded?
Around 11.6 million people were previously eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, but now just 10 million will be eligible – only those with a means-tested benefit
This means that people who don’t claim Pension Credit – whether accidentally or deliberately – could miss out on this support.
How to check eligibility?
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has urged all older people to check their eligibility using the Pension Credit Calculator website on GOV.UK. Even if your weekly income is just a few pounds less, you could still be eligible for this credit – and it could open up a range of other supports.
Labour move
The current Labour government has launched a huge awareness campaign for Pension Credit and has also continued the Triple Lock guarantee, which ensures pensions will rise each year by the higher of inflation, pay rises or a minimum of 2.5% However, critics say the means-testing policy is depriving many older people of supports.
Two parts of Pension Credit
Minimum income guaranteed:
- Age: 66 years or over
- For single person: £218.15 per week
- For couples: £332.95 per week
- Savings Credit
- Only available to those who reached state pension age before 6 April 2016
Maximum amount:
- For single person: £17.01/week
- For couples: £19.04/week
Additional benefits of Pension Credit
You may also be entitled to these additional benefits when you receive Pension Credit:
- Housing Benefit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Council Tax exemption
- Free TV Licence for 75+
- Help with NHS expenses
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Royal Mail Redirection exemption
- Combined working-age couples
A new rule comes into force in 2019: if one partner in a couple is below State Pension Age, the whole couple will count as working-age and will not receive Pension Credit until both have reached State Pension Age.
Conclusion
If you are of pension age or about to reach it soon, it’s time to act smartly. While cuts to Winter Fuel Payment have closed one door, Pension Credit could open many new ones A simple eligibility check could help you get hundreds of pounds of help.