Waspi women slam DWP’s Pension Credit drive as older Britons lose £300 energy bill benefit: ‘No substitute for justice!’
The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign has slammed the Government’s latest drive to boost Pension Credit uptake, calling for a resolution to the injustice faced by women born in the 1950s.
This comes after the new Labour Government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment which offers eligible pensioners up to £300 in energy bill support.
As the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launches its Pension Credit Week of Action, Waspi claims that one affected woman dies every 13 minutes without receiving compensation.
Campaigners have fought for “fair” compensation for women impacted by historic changes to the state pension.
In a report conducted by the Parliament and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), Waspi women were found to potentially be eligible for a Level 4 amount of compensation, which is between £1,000 and £2,950.
However, the campaign is now taking aim at the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment as thousands of pensioners face losing the energy bill benefit.
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Angela Madden, the chair of Waspi, said: “No amount of ‘drives’ to take up Pension Credit can substitute for a proper resolution to the injustice meted out to Waspi women.
“We need to see equal drive in government to understand and implement the recommendations both of the independent parliamentary ombudsman and the cross-party pensions select committee.”
The DWP’s campaign aims to address the estimated 880,000 pensioners missing out on Pension Credit, a benefit worth an average of £3,900 per year.
Launching from today, the Pension Credit Week of Action seeks to raise awareness and increase claims for the benefit.
This year, eligible pensioners claiming Pension Credit will automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
The Government is urging families, friends, and neighbours to encourage retired loved ones to check their eligibility and apply.
As part of its campaign, the DWP is hoping to tackle common myths that may prevent people from applying, such as having a small private pension, savings, or owning their own home.
Britons are being warned that December 21 is the last date to make a successful backdated claims for the Winter Fuel Payment. The Government has responded to the campaign, acknowledging the economic challenges faced by pensioners.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The £22billion 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.”
Reeves emphasised the importance of claiming Pension Credit, stating: “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.”
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The Government’s push for increased Pension Credit uptake comes as part of a broader strategy to support pensioners amidst rising energy costs and economic pressures.
The DWP encourages pensioners with a weekly income below £218.15 for singles or £332.95 for couples to check their eligibility using the online calculator.
Additional support may be available for those with severe disabilities, carers, or those responsible for a child or young person.
Pension Credit can also cover certain housing costs like ground rent or service charges. This initiative is part of a wider plan to ensure economic stability for pensioners.
Recently, the Government has committed to protecting the triple lock and supporting households with energy bills through the £150 Warm Home Discount and the Warm Homes Plan.
Over the next five years, more than 12 million pensioners could see their state pension increase by over a thousand pounds due to the triple lock commitment.