Age UK draws attention to the following information.

Pension Credit Week of Action: The Credit that keeps giving

Pension Credit does more than provide direct financial help – it unlocks a range of support* that could save eligible pensioners hundreds of pounds each year.

This year’s Pension Credit Week of Action runs from 27 October to 2 November. Pensioners who may be eligible for Pension Credit, may also be unaware of the extra support it could provide for them. Here are 4 ways being on Pension Credit helps pensioners save:

1. Housing costs:Pension Credit could help reduce your housing expenses. Eligible pensioners might also qualify for Council Tax Reduction to lower their council tax bill, Housing Benefit if they’re renting, or Support for Mortgage Interest if they own their home.
2. Energy bills: Pension Credit can open access to additional energy support. Eligible pensioners could receive the Warm Home Discount to reduce electricity costs and Cold Weather Payments during particularly cold spells.
3. Health and wellbeing: Pension Credit may provide access to essential free NHS services. This includes dental treatment and help with transport costs for hospital appointments.
4. TV Licence:Pensioners aged 75 or over who are eligible for Pension Credit qualify for a free TV licence. 

To find out more visit gov.uk/pension-credit/what-you’ll-get and gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim for full details and to apply. *Eligibility criteria apply.

*Eligibility criteria apply. Pension Credit has two parts – Guarantee Pension Credit and Savings Pension Credit. You may be able to get one or both parts depending on your circumstances. The type of Pension Credit you get may affect which passported benefits you automatically get. 

Winter Fuel payment eligibility criteria for winter 2025/26

• From winter 2025/26, the Government will increase the level at which Winter Fuel Payments are means-tested in England and Wales so that the vast majority of pensioners, around 9 million individuals, will benefit from them.
• Payments will be made to all pensioners in England & Wales – but will subsequently be recovered by HMRC through a charge to income tax from pensioners who are not in receipt of Pension Credit or another relevant means-tested benefit and who have annual taxable income above £35,000.
• The vast majority of Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically without the need to claim – and for those over the new £35,000 threshold, the Payment will be recovered automatically by HMRC via Pay as You Earn (PAYE) for the majority, or in their Self-Assessment tax return for those who already complete one. No one should need to register for Self-Assessment unless they have other income to report, as is always the case.
• More information on eligibility can be found on GOV.UK: Winter Fuel Payment: Eligibility – GOV.UK

 Winter Fuel Payments Scam Texts

Nearly all Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically without the need to claim. DWP have not issued any messages.

DWP never send text messages or emails requesting your bank details for Winter Fuel Payment purposes.

If you have any doubt whether a text is genuine, forward it to 7726 (free of charge) and you will receive a reply confirming if it’s legitimate.

You should block the telephone number and delete the message without clicking on any links.