- Over 830,000 eligible households across the UK missed out on their winter fuel payment last year.
- The South West region had the lowest take-up at 55%, while the North East stood at 71%.
- Cotswold council had the least eligible pensioners claiming (44%), compared to Tower Hamlets in London (83%).
- Minister for pensions Torsten Bell urged people to check and apply for Pension Credit as it is a simple way to support those who need it most.
Pensioners Missing Out on Winter Fuel Payment: New Analysis Reveals Regional Disparities
New data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has highlighted that over 830,000 eligible households across the UK did not claim their winter fuel payment last year despite being entitled to it. This finding comes as part of a broader analysis on benefit take-up among pensioners.
The decision in 2025 to restrict the winter fuel payment—worth either £200 or £300—to only those in receipt of Pension Credit was criticized by campaigners due to historically low claim rates for this benefit. The winter fuel payment, which is worth up to £4,000 annually, has seen a take-up rate between 61% and 66% over the last decade.
According to the DWP analysis, regional disparities in Pension Credit take-up are stark.
The South West region had the lowest take-up at 55%, while the North East stood significantly higher at 71%. Locally, Cotswold council showed the least eligible pensioners claiming (44%), whereas Tower Hamlets in London had the highest percentage of claims at 83%.
Minister for pensions Torsten Bell emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting harder-up pensioners. “Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence,” he said, urging anyone potentially eligible to check and apply for the benefit.
The DWP has also launched targeted campaigns to boost Pension Credit take-up. After announcing changes to the winter fuel payment, 56,700 additional households claimed the benefit, according to the department.
Furthermore, a new trial is underway involving letters being sent to 2,000 pensioners across England in an effort to increase awareness and uptake.
Caroline Abrahams from Age UK expressed concern that despite these efforts, more needs to be done to ensure that those most in need are receiving the money they are entitled to. “Unfortunately, the latest Government figures show that Pension Credit take-up has fallen and the average amount unclaimed has increased substantially,” she stated.
Abrahams highlighted potential barriers such as isolation, lack of access to services, or poor digital connections in rural areas, which could contribute to lower claim rates among pensioners. She called for more advice services across all regions to help people claim their entitlements.
A DWP spokesperson defended the government’s actions, stating that a significant campaign had been conducted to boost uptake and that 57,200 additional pensioners were now receiving the benefit. The department also plans to conduct further analysis on regional breakdowns of Pension Credit to better target non-claimants.
The issue highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring all eligible UK citizens receive the benefits they are entitled to, particularly during critical times like winter when financial support is crucial for many pensioners. As policymakers continue to address these disparities, the focus remains on improving awareness and accessibility of such vital support programs.
