A big jump in pensioners applying for the means-tested benefit came after ministers limited winter fuel payments.

Just 42,500 applications for pension credit have been approved over the past 16 weeks - less than 5% of the 880,000 people the Government said were missing out on the benefit in July

There is less than a month in which to make a backdated Pension Credit claim to qualify for the winter fuel allowance payment.

The government and campaigners are urging people to check if they are eligible for pension credit following changes to the winter fuel allowance.

Less than 50,000 low-income pensioners have been approved for Pension Credit despite a 145% increase in applications

Claims for pension credit soar by almost 150 per cent since Chancellor announced winter fuel payment means testing

The DWP has revealed that there has been an incredible 145% surge in applications for the under-claimed benefit of Pension Credit since the Winter Fuel Payment was restricted to the benefit in July

Following Rachel Reeves’ announcement in July, pensioners must be claiming the means-tested benefit to be sent the winter fuel payment worth £200-300. They have until 21 December to apply and still receive a backdated payment for 2024 (if successful).