Tag: Department for Work and Pensions

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 7 October 2024.

DWP is urging Tax Credit customers to respond to their Universal Credit migration notices so they continue to receive benefits.

• Tax credits are closing in April 2025 and customers must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits.
• Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for Universal Credit.
• Customers do not need to take action until they receive their migration notice letter from the Department from Work and Pensions.

DWP is urging Tax Credit customers to respond to their Universal Credit migration notices so they continue to receive benefits.

Anyone affected will be sent a ‘migration notice’ by DWP to apply for Universal Credit as the department continues to transition over a million claimants on legacy benefits to Universal Credit.

Legacy benefits – such as Tax Credits, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance – are being phased out to bring government financial support into one place and, importantly, the majority of people will not be worse off under Universal Credit.

Anyone who needs support is encouraged to contact DWP for a smooth transition before their deadline. More information can be found at: Move to Universal Credit if you get a Migration Notice letter – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, said:

Having three months to make a move may feel like a long time but life can often distract you elsewhere. For the best chance to secure your benefit entitlement don’t delay with responding to your migration notice.

We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and customers will have the full support of DWP staff to help manage this change.

The timeline for migration can be found below:

Your current benefit:	When you may get your letter:
Tax credits, only if you are below State Pension age	From March 2023
Tax credits with Housing Benefit	From April 2024
Income Support (Income Support only, Income Support with tax credits, Income Support with Housing Benefit, Income Support with Housing Benefit and tax credits)	From April 2024
Housing Benefits only	From June 2024
Income-related Employment Support Allowance (ESA), with Child Tax Credits	From July 2024
Tax credits (if you are of State Pension age and are asked to move to Pension Credit)	From July 2024
Tax credits (if you are of State Pension age and are asked to move to Universal Credit)	From September 2024
Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)	From September 2024
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) only	From September 2024
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with Housing Benefit	From September 2024

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 24 September 2024.

The government will bring forward a new Fraud, Error and Debt Bill in this parliamentary session to crack down on fraud in the social security system.

• Fraud, Error and Debt Bill brought forward to tackle fraud in social security system
• New laws to give DWP more powers to catch fraudsters faster and prevent customers from getting into debt sooner
• Bill to include measures to protect vulnerable customers and ensure support goes to those who need it most

The Bill is expected to save £1.6 billion over the next five years and will extend and modernise DWP’s powers to stop fraud in its tracks, recover money lost to fraud and protect vulnerable customers from racking up debt.

Fraud and error in the social security system currently costs the taxpayer almost £10 billion a year and since the pandemic a total of £35 billion of taxpayers’ money has been taken away from those who need it most.

The nature of fraud has also become more sophisticated, meaning without new legal powers, DWP cannot properly keep pace with the changing nature of fraud to tackle it robustly enough.

This legislation will give DWP powers to:

• Better investigate suspected fraud and new powers of search and seizure so DWP can take greater control investigations into criminal gangs defrauding the taxpayer.
• Allow DWP to recover debts from individuals who can pay money back but have avoided doing so, bringing greater fairness to debt recoveries.
• Require banks and financial institutions to share data that may show indications of potential benefit overpayments

The Bill will also include safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable customers. Staff will be trained to the highest standards on the appropriate use of any new powers, and we will introduce new oversight and reporting mechanisms, to monitor these new powers. DWP will not have access to people’s bank accounts and will not share their personal information with third parties.

We will also bring forward a Code of Practice which will be consulted on during the passage of the Bill to provide further assurance on the safe use of the powers.

This legislation delivers on the government’s manifesto commitment to safeguard taxpayers’ money and demonstrates the government’s commitment to not tolerate fraud, error or waste anywhere in public services, including the social security system.

Further details on the scope of the legislation will be set out when the Bill is introduced.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 19 September 2024.

Local leaders laid bare the stark challenges that must be overcome to tackle child poverty in their communities when they met with the new Child Poverty Taskforce today.

• Regional leaders from across the country join cross-government effort to tackle child poverty
• Ministers hear from North East Mayor’s bold and wide-ranging plans to ensure every child has the best start in life
• Meeting kicks off series of UK-wide engagement events for people to share their experiences with the Taskforce

Co-chairs Liz Kendall, Work & Pensions Secretary, and Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, heard powerful testimony from representatives from some of the worst affected areas in the country, including the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, to ensure regional experiences are at the heart of the Taskforce’s work.

With almost one in three children living in poverty in the North East, the Taskforce learnt of wide-ranging and bold measures being rolled out in the region – including grants to help parents with childcare and welfare advisors in schools that have so far saved £2.3 million for 730 vulnerable families.

Mayor McGuinness shared valuable insight from her North East Child Poverty Reduction Unit – the first of its kind in the country – as ministers consider every available lever across government to give children the best start in life.

The meeting was also made up of the Chair of the Local Government Association Louise Gittins, President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Andy Smith and Fred Rattley from the Church of England and Thrive Together Birmingham.

They spoke of how the group can best work with Mayors, local authorities and other bodies to develop innovative solutions to tackle child poverty, as the government breaks down barriers to opportunity for every child.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:

This government will not rest until we have driven down child poverty in every part of our country, using all the levers at our disposal. Local leaders are at the front line in tackling this issue, with bold ideas and new approaches.

We are determined to learn from their experience about what works in delivering the changes our country needs. Together, we will confront the scar of child poverty and give every child the best start in life.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP said:

Poverty constrains every part of a child’s life and blights our communities. Tackling it is crucial if we are to break down the barriers to opportunity and improve the life chances of every child.

This task cannot be achieved alone and I’m grateful to local leaders on the frontline for their invaluable insight on the challenges families are facing, and the innovative approaches they’re using to tackle them.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, commented:

We want to create real opportunity and prosperity for families across the North East and the country – tackling child poverty is the most important thing we can do to deliver that ambition. In the North East, we’ve established the country’s first regional Child Poverty Unit, so we can work with the government’s Taskforce to address the root causes of poverty.

Mayors know their communities and the challenges we face on the ground, and we all believe child poverty is unacceptable and has no place in our society. That’s why it’s so important and welcome that we are working with the Government’s Taskforce to ensure we have the powers at our disposal to eliminate poverty from our society, and break down the barriers which hold families back.

This meeting marked the first of a series of engagement sessions with key organisations, charities and experts that will help to shape the Taskforce’s ambitious Strategy, to be set out in the Spring.

The vital work of the Taskforce comes alongside our commitments to roll out free breakfast clubs at all primary schools, create 3,000 additional nurseries, as well as deliver our plan to make work pay to turn the minimum wage into a real living wage.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said:

No child should ever grow up in poverty. Councils play an essential role in supporting the most vulnerable in their communities and are central to tackling the underlying causes and consequences of poverty.

We are pleased the taskforce is taking an integrated, holistic approach to the role of key services including housing, employment, health and social care, which needs to be considered alongside the vital, community-based services that provide targeted advice and support.

We look forward to working with the new taskforce and ensuring every child has the best start in life.

Further Information

• The North East Combined Authority has drawn upon the expertise of businesses, charities and local authorities to support families through its Child Poverty Prevention Programme.
• While providing funding for after school clubs and working with employers to better support their employees, the scheme has also delivered ‘baby boxes’, consisting of essential items, to over 350 families to give children the best start in life from day one.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 18 September 2024.

The ‘lockdown generation’ who’ve been consigned to the ‘scrapheap’ will get life-changing support through major reforms to get Britain working again, the Minister for Employment has vowed in her first speech since taking office.

• Record number of young people out of work due to long-term sickness – up 29% since the pandemic – and nearly 900,000 not in education, work, or training.
• We must move away from the obsession with welfare and boost employment with fundamental change, says Minister for Employment.
• Get Britain Working White Paper will transform workplaces and help drive government’s national mission for growth.

These changes will form a key part of the government’s mission to kickstart growth and spread prosperity and opportunity across the country, with the Prime Minister stating he wants the UK to have the highest sustained growth in the G7.

Speaking at the launch of a report by the Institute for Employment Studies, Alison McGovern MP pledged to ‘turn the page’ on years of failure, saying there has been too much focus on welfare and social security and not enough on helping people into work – leaving a generation of young people abandoned in a broken labour market.

She said the employment challenges the country faces now are similar to the mass unemployment of the past – with 2.8 million people out of work sick and over nine million people economically inactive – neither in work nor looking for work.

Nearly 900,000 young people are not in education, employment, or training – up 74,000 on the year – while latest figures from the ONS show around 600,000 16-24-year-olds are unemployed, 63,000 more than pre pandemic.

The sickness crisis amongst 16-24-year-olds has also worsened with a 29% increase in the number who are inactive and long-term sick – up from 184,000 before the pandemic to 237,000 in the most recent data, a record high.

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern said:

The lockdown generation has been failed – consigned to the scrapheap because they have been denied the support and opportunities to find work, get into work, and get on at work.

It’s truly shocking that we have businesses crying out for staff at the same time there are queues round the block for foodbanks – a dire situation that we’re determined to put right.

The obsession with benefits management must end if we’re to bring about the change the country is crying out for, and that’s why we have a plan to get Britain working again.

We’re going to set-up a Youth Guarantee to transform the lives of young people by providing work, apprenticeships and skills training to everyone who needs it.

That is how we will deliver on our mission for growth across the country and ensure future generations are never abandoned by their government again.

The IES report describes the UK’s employment service as ‘the least well-used in Europe’, arguing it often acts more as an extension of the benefit system. The organisation has called for a ‘clearer separation between employment support and social security delivery’.

This comes as Minister McGovern set out plans to make a fundamental shift to active labour market policies that break down barriers to opportunity, tackle the root causes of inactivity and help deliver the Government’s ambition to reach an 80% employment rate.

The government has taken immediate action to transform Britain’s workforce through Skills England, while plans to cut NHS waiting times will get Britain back to health and back to work.

A Get Britain Working Again White Paper, to be set out in the Autumn, will outline plans to overhaul jobcentres, deliver a youth guarantee, and devolve powers to Mayors and local areas to deliver work, health, and skills plans.

Additional Information

• More information on the Plan to Get Britain Working is available here: Back to Work Plan will help drive economic growth in every region – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• The Work and Pensions Secretary delivered a speech in Barnsley setting out her vision for employment support: Getting Britain Working – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 10 September 2024.

Spiralling economic inactivity to be addressed as new Labour Market Advisory Board launched to advise government on getting Britain working again.

• Hundreds of thousands more people out of work due to long-term sickness since the pandemic.
• Experts on new board will help to shape government work ahead of groundbreaking White Paper this autumn.

Experts advising government on how to tackle the ‘greatest employment challenge for a generation’ met with the Work and Pensions Secretary for the first time on Monday [9 September].

The new Labour Market Advisory Board – appointed by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP – is made up of labour market experts from across business, industrial relations and academia.

At its first meeting, members offered new approaches to shape government work on economic inactivity, tackling the root causes for people remaining out of work such as poor physical and mental health, and how the group can help the government reach its ambition of an 80 per cent employment rate.

The Board will develop new ideas and initiatives for the Work and Pensions Secretary to consider as she sets about bringing down the levels of economic inactivity, with the UK being the only G7 country whose employment and inactivity rates haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, part of the dire inheritance left by the previous government.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP, said:

Spiralling inactivity is the greatest employment challenge for a generation, with a near record 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness.

Addressing these challenges will take time, but we’re going to fix the foundations of the economy and tackle economic inactivity.

The board’s knowledge, expertise and insight will help us to rebuild Britain as we deliver our growth mission, drive up opportunity and make every part of the country better off.

As the Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously set out, cutting NHS waiting lists will get Britain back to health and back to work. and the Board’s first meeting will examine the impact of ill-health on inactivity and how the Government can support more people into good work.

Paul Gregg, Chair of the Labour Market Advisory Board said:

Having studied the UK’s labour market across several decades, it is clear that the current labour market faces a deep-seated set of challenges.

We have seen a sharp increase in economic inactivity and long-term sickness, most notably in our young people post-pandemic. Further, real wage growth has been heavily supressed for 15 years hitting living standards and government tax revenues. Reversing these trends will be key to ensuring the long-term prosperity of the UK’s labour market.

I look forward to working with members of the board and the Secretary of State to support her vision for growth and examining positive solutions to address inactivity and harness the true potential of the UK’s labour market.

The Secretary of State is also expected to outline her plans to devolve power to local areas so they can tackle inactivity with bespoke work, health, and skills plans, which are expected in a White Paper in the autumn.

It will also include plans for a new youth guarantee for 18-21-year-olds, and the overhauling of jobcentres by merging them with the National Careers service.

Board Members

Member	Organisation/ Institution
Paul Gregg (Chair)	Former Director of the Centre for Analysis of Social Policy at the University of Bath
Steven Machin	Professor of Economics and Director of the Centre for Economic Performance, LSE
Lindsey Macmillian	Professor of Economics, Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities
Gavin Kelly	Executive Chair, Resolution Foundation
Anita Charlesworth	Director of Research and Economics, Health Foundation
Stuart McIntyre	Professor of Economics, University of Strathclyde
Ruby McGregor Smith	House of Lords
Nicola Smith	Head of Rights, International, Social and Economics Department TUC

Additional Information

• A White Paper on the Plan to Get Britain Working is expected in the autumn.
• More information on the Plan to Get Britain Working is available here: Back to Work Plan will help drive economic growth in every region – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• The Work and Pensions Secretary delivered a speech in Barnsley setting out her vision for employment support: Getting Britain Working – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• The Labour Market Advisory Board will work with the Department for Work & Pensions and can request support to develop information and insight for the Secretary of State and/or internal consideration on priority topics and policy development.

Inactivity levels and rates across the UK & regions as of 13/08/2024:

Area	Level (000s)	Rate
United Kingdom	9,410	22.0%
Great Britain	9,090	22.0%
England	7,756	21.6%
North East	454	27.4%
North West	1,112	23.6%
Yorkshire and The Humber	862	25.0%
East Midlands	616	20.1%
West Midlands	875	23.5%
East	851	21.7%
London	1,263	20.7%
South East	1,080	18.7%
Wales	541	28.3%
Scotland	793	23.1%
Northern Ireland	319	27.1%

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 2 September 2024.

Millions of vulnerable people to receive help this winter as the Work and Pensions Secretary extends the Household Support Fund.

• £421 million boost for local authorities in England to help people most in need with the cost of their energy, food and water, with £79 million for devolved administrations
• Immediate support comes alongside the government’s growth mission to rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off

Vulnerable households will receive support for the cost of essentials this winter, as the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announces an extension to the Household Support Fund for the next six months.

The £421m extension gives certainty to Local Authorities across England over the winter months – up until April 2025 – as they work to help those struggling with the cost of energy, food, and water.

Pensioners and others struggling to heat their homes or afford other essential items over the colder months should contact their local council to see what support may be available to them. Details on the latest scheme for local authorities and councils will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Many councils also use the Fund beyond emergency support, including working with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes, and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.

An estimated £79 million will also be given to Devolved Administrations via the Barnett formula as the government leaves no stone unturned in ensuring every person – in every part of the country – has the foundations they need to be financially secure. Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can choose how to allocate this additional funding, as the UK government continues to work closely with them to help support vulnerable people.

Given the dire economic inheritance, we had to take difficult decisions to put our public finances on a sustainable footing as we tackle the £22 billion black hole.

1.3 million more people have fallen into poverty since 2010/11, with living standards falling by the largest year-on-year drop since records began in 2022/23. For over a decade people have also been denied the security and dignity that good work affords with more than a near record 2.8 million people out of work due to sickness.

As we continue our work to deliver growth, make work pay and develop our child poverty strategy in the long term, the extension of the Fund prevents councils and vulnerable households experiencing an immediate cliff edge of support with a tough winter ahead.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, said:

The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we have to take tough decisions to fix the foundations of our economy.

But extending the Household Support Fund is the right thing to do – provide targeted support for those who need it most as we head into the winter months.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall MP, said:

We are extending the Household Support Fund for the next six months because it is a lifeline for people who are struggling with the cost of living.

The dire inheritance we face means more people are living in poverty now than 14 years ago – and this Government is taking immediate action to prevent a cliff edge of support for the most vulnerable in our society.

At the same time, we are taking action to fix the foundations of our country through our plans to grow the economy, make work pay, and Get Britain Working again.

The government is exploring options around how best to provide sustainable support to vulnerable households in the longer term while the ministerial Child Poverty Taskforce develops an ambitious strategy to tackle the root causes of poverty, and the Get Britain Working White Paper, to be set out in the Autumn, will develop measures to reduce inactivity and help people to find better paid and more secure jobs.

By growing the economy and unlocking investment through the National Wealth Fund; launching Great British Energy to drive home-grown clean energy and lower bills; making work pay and developing a new Child Poverty Strategy to give children the best start in life – the Government is looking at all levers available to unlock the potential of millions across the country and give them the platform they need to thrive.

Additional Information

• The Household Support Fund is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions and delivered by Local Authorities in England. It can be used to help vulnerable residents with energy and water bills, food and other essential items.
• People can find their council here.
• Barnett consequentials for Devolved Governments will be finalised in due course.
• In 2022/23, there were 1.3 million more people in relative poverty after housing costs than in 2010/11.
• In 2022/23, living standards, as measured by RHDI per capita, fell by 2.1 per cent, the largest year-on-year drop since records began in the 1950s.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 1 September 2024.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to launch Pension Credit Week of Action to boost take-up of vital benefit.

• Joining forces with charities, broadcasters and a range of partners, the campaign will encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and apply
• Up to 880,000 pensioners could be missing out on this cash boost worth on average up to £3,900 per year

Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are being urged to apply for a benefit that could be worth on average £3,900 per year as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is launching a campaign to increase Pension Credit take-up on Monday 2 September.

With as many as 880,000 pensioners missing out, the Pension Credit Week of Action aims to spread awareness and increase claims for Pension Credit, which from this year will also automatically passport eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

Joining forces with charities, broadcasters, Local Authorities, and a range of partners, the campaign will tackle myths that may prevent people applying, for instance having a small private pension, savings or owning their own home.

Families, friends and neighbours are being encouraged to reach out to retired family members to encourage them to check their eligibility and apply. 21 December is the last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit, up to an estimated 880,000 households are eligible for the support but are not claiming it.

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said:

The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we are having to take tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy – including making the Winter Fuel Payments available to those most at need.

1.3 million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they’re claiming pension credit – but thousands more are eligible. So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for pension credit.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall said:

Thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit worth on average £3,900 per year. That needs to change.

It’s easier than ever to check if you are eligible, including with our online calculator, and if your circumstances have changed since the last time you looked – I urge you to check again.

Friends, families and neighbours can also encourage their loved ones to apply, so that they are not missing out on this vital benefit.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

The legacy of failure on energy policy we have inherited means energy prices are set to rise in autumn. We must ensure that pensioners in the greatest need get access to help with rising bills.

We will do everything in our power to increase take up of Pension Credit to the 880,000 households who are yet to claim – opening the door to other vital support such as the Winter Fuel Payment.

The government will also continue our mission to deliver clean power by 2030, helping to finally give families the energy security they deserve and our country the energy independence we need.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they are eligible for this support which is worth £3,900 a year on average, using DWP’s online calculator.

People with a severe disability, carers and those who are responsible for a child or young person who lives with them could get more. Pension Credit can also include extra amounts for certain housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges.

This work is part of a wider plan to ensure economic stability for pensioners by protecting the Triple Lock and supporting households with their energy bills through the £150 Warm Home Discount and the Warm Homes Plan – upgrading millions of homes this Parliament.

Over the next five years, more than 12 million pensioners could see their State Pension increase by over a thousand pounds as a result of the commitment to the Triple Lock.

Background

• Applications for Pension Credit can be made:
  • On the How to Claim page
  • Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
  • By printing out and filling in a paper application form
  • For more information visit the Pension Credit GOV.UK page.
• The Winter Fuel Payment is worth £300 for households with someone aged 80 or over. Households with someone aged 66-79 will receive £200.
• We will work with Local Authorities to bring together the administration of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit as soon as operationally possible.
• People who have reached State Pension age before September 23, 2024 and are in receipt of Pension Credit, Income Support, Income based JSA, Income related ESA, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit, will be entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment – subject to eligibility conditions.
• The regulations to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment will be laid on 22 August 2024. The qualifying week in 2024 for Winter Fuel Payments will be from 16 to 22 September.
• Pensioners need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day in week September 16 to 22 to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment for this winter.
• 21 December is the last date for backdating a claim for Pension Credit to 22 September, assuming the claimant met the Pension Credit entitlement conditions throughout the previous three months.
• Anyone who is entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day of the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week will have automatic entitlement to Winter Fuel Payment. There are some exceptions which are detailed on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/eligibility
• People do not have to do anything extra to backdate their claim. If they make their application online, they will automatically be asked if they would like to backdate it. If they make their application over the phone the advisor will talk them through this.
• Around 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments due to some other pensioner households being eligible and expected extra Pension Credit take up due to this reform.

Pension Credit recipients by region (as of February 2024):

North East	73,883
North West	175,179
Yorkshire and The Humber	118,633
East Midlands	95,767
West Midlands	130,427
East of England	110,017
London	190,496
South East	147,763
South West	111,251
Wales	80,927
Scotland	125,136

Further Information

Supportive statements:

• Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said:

It’s a national tragedy that nearly a million eligible low-income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are still missing out on the crucial Pension Credit financial lifeline – a better name for it would be the State Pension Top Up.

So whatever your age, take a second to understand how it works, so we can all ensure the message is spread to every nook and granny (and grandpas too).  Especially as the government has just severed Winter Fuel Benefits eligibility for millions, yet if you claim Pension Credit you’ll still get it.

While for most single pensioners, you need total weekly income, including from savings, under around £218 (pensioner couples under £333) to be very likely to qualify, my rule of thumb is spend a few minutes to check even with weekly income up to £235 (pensioner couples £350) as there’s still a chance some may be eligible.

Pension Credit can pay out £1,000s a year, but even if it’s only going to pay you thruppence, still claim it! As once you get it, it’s a gateway benefit that opens the door to other entitlements – including council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.

• Sir Steve Webb, Partner at pension consultants LCP and former Pensions Minister, said:

I would encourage anyone on a tight budget to consider an application for Pension Credit.

It can be claimed over the phone and could be the gateway to a range of valuable additional benefits, including reductions in energy bills, extra support when the temperature drops, free TV licences for those aged 75+ and continued receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment.

Even if you are not sure if you will be entitled, it is worth putting in a claim, especially for those who are disabled or carers and might be entitled to additional amounts.

• Juliet Tizzard, Director of External Relations at Parkinson’s UK said:

Parkinson’s UK is pleased to support the DWP in raising awareness of Pension Credit,  which is a vital resource for older people on low incomes living with conditions like Parkinson’s.

We know that very few people with Parkinson’s and their carers who are entitled to Pension credit, actually claim it. Our recent survey found that only 6% of eligible respondents received Pension Credit, leaving many without access to additional entitlements that could ease the financial strain of living with Parkinson’s.

With the Winter Fuel Payment soon only being granted to those receiving Pension Credit, it’s more important than ever for everyone of pension age and above to check whether they are eligible to claim it.

This Week of Action is crucial to raise awareness of Pension Credit and we urge everyone of pension age to check their eligibility to ensure they can access the support they are entitled to.

• Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at mutual pensions provider, Royal London, said:

Pension Credit is a valuable benefit for anyone over State Pension age who is on a low income. But with an estimated 880,000 people missing out, it’s important that anyone who thinks they may qualify for it, or anyone who thinks a family member may qualify, puts in a claim.

Pension Credit not only provides additional tax-free income, but, because it’s a ‘gateway’ benefit, means that people who are eligible may also qualify for help with housing costs such as rent and council tax, as well as energy bills through the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.

Our research shows that one in five people over State Pension age are living on the State Pension alone, with many thousands not entitled to the full amount for a variety of reasons. Pension Credit could make a big difference to their standard of living in retirement.

If you have a family member or friend over State Pension age, they could be missing out on tax-free payments worth thousands of pounds a year.

• Nigel Peaple, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), said:

Pension Credit can provide vital support to low-income pensioner households, but many people don’t claim it.

If you think you, or someone you know, might be eligible, call the Pension Credit claim line, write to the Pension Service or put in an application on the Government website. Help spread the word; it could make a world of difference to someone.

• A British Gas spokesperson said:

Pension Credit Week of Action is the perfect opportunity to remind our customers of the vital support available to them. We are committed to ensuring pensioners are informed about their eligibility for Pension Credit and the additional help it provides. Our ‘You Pay: We Pay’ initiative further supports this by doubling contributions to help manage energy costs. By reaching out directly to customers who may be struggling, offering access to grants through the British Gas Energy Trust, and offering face-to-face advice through our Post Office partnership, we aim to make it easier for pensioners in need to access essential support.

• Jackie Spencer, Head of Money and Pensions Policy at the Money and Pensions Service, said:

One in three people who are entitled to Pension Credit don’t claim and, if you’re one of them, you could be missing out on extra income per year.

It’s important to find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit as it can not only help with your day-to-day living costs, but it can also entitle you to other grants, benefits and discounts. For example, households claiming Pension Credit can get a Winter Fuel Payment and Housing Benefit.

• Jonathan Bland, Head Geek at Pension Geeks and founder of the Pension Awareness Campaign, said:

With the Pension Season upon us, there is never a more fitting time to check whether or not you could be eligible for Pension Credit.

You might be surprised – if you own a home, or have savings – you could still be entitled to the payment. It can also open the door to additional help with housing costs and heating bills, etc. Hundreds of thousands of people of people are missing out, so I’d urge everyone to take a few moments to check.

• Dr Suzy Morrissey FCA, Deputy Director, Pensions Policy Institute, said:

The PPI is excited to see that start of the Pension Credit Week of Action. This is a great initiative to help people become better informed about pension credit and their retirement income.  It is important that people receive all their entitlements and this Week of Action will help raise awareness.

• Rachel Fletcher, Director of Economics and Regulation at Octopus Energy, said:

We know many people are worried about the impact of rising fossil fuel prices this winter. Support is available, but often goes unnoticed – for example, 1 in 4 eligible pensioners currently don’t claim Pension Credit.

Companies can help to make sure every pensioner gets the assistance they need. We are not only offering our own Winter Fuel Payments to pensioners this winter, but also training staff to spot when customers are missing out and help them get the benefits they deserve.

• Pete Glancy, Head of Pensions Policy, Scottish Widows, said:

Scottish Widows’ latest Retirement Report told us that the State Pension plays a vital role in meeting day-to-day costs for 75% of current retirees – and that future retirees are worried how they would get by if it wasn’t there.  That underlines how important it is that people understand what they are entitled too – and that pension credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It’s separate from the State Pension and you can get it even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

We welcome the Government’s efforts to draw attention to this important benefit.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 20 August 2024.

Pensioners urged to check if they could be eligible for Pension Credit to secure the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300 per household.

• Claiming Pension Credit can also passport pensioners to additional help with housing costs, council tax, and heating bills
• Comes as Deputy Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary write to Local Authorities to boost uptake of pension credit in their local areas

The Department for Work and Pensions is today urging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit in order to secure this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

It comes as the government has had to make some difficult decisions to fix the foundations of the economy due to the dire state of the public finances, with the Winter Fuel Payment – worth up to £300 – set to be means-tested and delivered to those on Pension Credit to ensure it is targeted towards those in most need.

Around 1.3 million households in England and Wales will continue to receive Winter Fuel Payments, but the government is determined to boost take-up of Pension Credit to ensure low-income pensioners continue to get this help.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Work and Pensions Secretary are writing to Local Authorities and will join forces with them, older peoples’ charities, and other groups this September for its annual Pension Credit Week of Action.

The government’s Pension Credit awareness drive will help identify households not claiming the benefit, and encourage pensioners to apply by 21 December, the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit, in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit there are up to an estimated 880,000 households eligible for the support who are yet to claim.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall said:

The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.

That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit.

This government remains completely committed to pensioners which is why we’re protecting the income of over 12 million pensioners through the Triple Lock.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

The dire state of the public finances we inherited from the previous government means we’ve had to make some very difficult decisions.

Our commitment to supporting pensioners remains, which is why we are maintaining the triple lock.

We want pensioners to get the support they are entitled to. That’s why I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

Everyone has paid the price for over a decade of energy insecurity, which is why we are getting on with delivering clean power by 2030, alongside our ambitious Warm Homes Plan.

It is imperative that those eligible get the support they need this winter, which is why the government will do everything it can to roll out Pension Credit, making sure as many people as possible qualify for the up to £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

During the Week of Action, set to commence in September, the DWP and its partners will be tackling some of the myths that may stop people applying, such as how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving Pension Credit.

This work builds on last year’s Invitation to claim pilots, where letters and leaflets were targeted at households already in receipt of Housing Benefit, but not claiming Pension Credit in ten local authorities.

This work comes alongside wider plans to ensure economic stability for pensioners by protecting the Triple Lock, improving energy security and keeping energy bills low through the Warm Homes Plan and cutting NHS waiting lists.

Over the next five years over 12 million pensioners will see their State Pension increase by thousands of pounds as a result of the commitment to the Triple Lock.

And the Warm Homes Plan which will support investment in insulation and low carbon heating – upgrading millions of homes over this Parliament. This government’s long-term plan will protect billpayers permanently and reduce fuel poverty.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible. It is worth on average £3,900 a year and can also open doors to further financial help, such as housing costs, council tax, and heating bills, and the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.

And, pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible – with DWP’s online calculator able to work out how much an individual could get.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 15 August 2024.

Urgent work on tackling one of Britain’s biggest social injustices begun yesterday [Wednesday 14 August] as the government’s Child Poverty Taskforce met for the first time.

• Cabinet ministers across government joined Work & Pensions and Education Secretaries in first Child Poverty Taskforce meeting
• taskforce will put the direct testimony of children, families and organisations at the heart of their work
• Child Poverty Strategy will be published in spring next year

Cabinet ministers including the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Secretary to the Treasury as well as ministers for the devolved nations have joined the taskforce’s co-chairs, the Work & Pensions and Education Secretaries, to confront the wide-ranging and deep-rooted causes of child poverty.

With a broken housing market, millions waiting for medical treatment and families continuing to struggle with the cost of living, ministers set out the huge scale of the challenge in their inaugural meeting, examining why there are 700,000 more children living in poverty compared to 2010.

The Ministerial taskforce will harness all available levers to drive forward short-term and long-term actions across government to reduce child poverty, by:

• supporting households to increase their income including considering social security reforms that support people into work and alleviate poverty
• helping to bring down essential household costs, build savings and tackle problem debt
• alleviating the negative experience of living in poverty, including through supporting families and the role of public services

The taskforce will also hear directly from struggling families and children, front-line staff and leading campaigners, charities and organisations across the UK to shape the strategy.

It comes as the latest data shows that over four million children are now growing up in a low-income family. This not only harms children’s lives now, but it also limits their future prospects and it holds back our economic potential as a country.

Tackling child poverty across the United Kingdom is at the heart of the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and improve the life chances of every child. That’s why we’re committed to delivering an ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty, tackle the root causes, and give every child the best start at life.

Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:

Child poverty is a scar on our society. It harms children’s life chances and our country as a whole. That is why tackling child poverty is a top priority for this government.

We will take action in every department, with a comprehensive strategy to drive down poverty and drive up opportunity, building a better future for us all.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson MP said:

Child poverty is a scar on our country, which holds back children’s lives and life chances at home, in school and across our communities.

The scale of the challenge cannot be overstated. That is why this taskforce, working across government, is essential to ensure all departments are supporting this ambition and delivering on our mission of breaking down the barriers to opportunity for every child.

We will work with stakeholders, families and crucially children themselves so that our approach is guided by those impacted most.

As part of their work to develop the strategy, ministers on the Taskforce will also visit cities and towns across the UK, working closely with local and devolved government leaders to hear how child poverty devastates local communities and what can be done to combat it.

Co-chairs Liz Kendall and Bridget Phillipson will meet with the key charities and organisations to kick off regular engagement sessions in the coming weeks.

The taskforce will be supported by a new Child Poverty Unit in the Cabinet Office, drawing together experts from within and outside government, to help co-ordinate the development of the strategy.

The vital work of the taskforce comes alongside our commitments to roll out free breakfast clubs at all primary schools, create 3,000 additional nurseries, as well as deliver our plan to make work pay to turn the minimum wage into a real living wage.

Further Information

• Read the (Child Poverty Taskforce’s terms of reference)https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/child-poverty-taskforce
• Departments represented in the Child Poverty Taskforce include:
• Department for Work and Pensions
• Department for Education
• Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government
• HM Treasury
• Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Department for Business and Trade
• Department for Energy and Net Zero
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Department for Health and Social Care
• Wales Office
• Northern Ireland Office
• Scotland Office

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 31 July 2024.

Child maintenance consultation extended to allow more time for engagement from external organisations.

The Government has today extended a consultation on the Child Maintenance Service to ensure there is suitable time for feedback from external organisations.

The consultation, launched 8 May 2024, is a chance to discuss ways the CMS can help to increase the number of children being kept out of poverty.

DWP Lords Minister, Baroness Maeve Sherlock said:

This government is committed to tackling child poverty and ensuring children get the support they need to have the best start in life. Child maintenance is important to this goal.

The extension of the consultation into the Child Maintenance Service that we’ve announced today will ensure that we provide the best possible opportunity to hear the concerns and thoughts of expert groups and individuals.

DWP’s proposals, launched under the previous government, include:

• Stopping the Direct Pay service and deal with all cases via Collect and Pay with CMS collecting and transferring all payments. This would allow the CMS to tackle non-compliance faster and, when necessary, take enforcement action more quickly.
• Exploring the best way to support family-based arrangements with an enhanced calculation tool, along with signposting to conflict resolution support.
• Asking how the CMS can better support victims of domestic or economic abuse, building on recommendations from Dr Samantha Callan’s 2023 Independent Review of the Child Maintenance Service.

The extension will now close on 30 September 2024.

It comes as the government launched the Child Poverty Taskforce, chaired by the Work and Pensions and Education Secretaries, part of the ambitious strategy to reduce child poverty and give children the best start in life.

Additional Information:

• In the 12 months to March 2024, the CMS arranged over £1.4 billion in child maintenance payments and was managing 722,000 arrangements for 658,000 paying parents and 986,000 children.
• The consultation will run until 30 September 2024.
• Child maintenance payments from both CMS and family-based arrangements help to keep 160,000 children out of poverty each year.
• 100,000 through non-statutory arrangements and 60,000 through the Child Maintenance Service.
• More information for parents on how to make arrangements for maintenance payments can be found on the Get Help Arranging Child Maintenance tool:  https://child-maintenance.service.gov.uk/get-help-arranging-child-maintenance

Where family-based arrangements are not appropriate, the CMS provides parents with two options for organising payments:

• Direct Pay: Once the CMS has calculated maintenance payments, both parents agree how the money will be paid and when.
• Collect and Pay: CMS collects the money from the paying parent and sends it directly to the receiving parent.