A record number of retirees have applied to claim pension credit in an attempt to claw back their winter fuel payments, official figures show.
Some 300,000 pensioners applied for pension credit this tax year, of which 235,000 were made after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced straight after the election that the payment would be means tested.
This is an 81 per cent increase on the 129,900 claims made in the same period in 2023-24, the Department for Work and Pensions data shows.
Winter fuel payments worth up to £300 are now only available
to those receiving a select few benefits, including pension credit. Previously the payments, designed to help with energy costs, were for all pensioners.
Pension credit, which is under-claimed, is available to retirees who receive less than £218.15 a week. Couples must have an income of less than £332.95.
The DWP said: ‘We are absolutely committed to ensuring every pensioner is supported.’