Nearly 75,000 Pensioners Apply for Pension Credit After Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

Chancellor Rachel Reeves's means-testing policy prompts surge in applications, potentially costing the government up to £540m.

The Labour Government's decision to means-test winter fuel payments has led to a significant increase in pension credit applications.
Official figures show 74,400 retirees applied for pension credit in the eight weeks following the announcement, up from 29,500 in the previous eight weeks.
Policy in Practice analysts estimate the surge in applications could cost the government as much as £540m, surpassing initial predictions.
Labour's policy has faced criticism from within the party and from economic experts, with calls to reverse the cuts gaining momentum.
Money expert Martin Lewis has highlighted lesser-known eligibility criteria for pension credit, encouraging more pensioners to apply and access additional benefits.