Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent progress her Department has made on increasing the uptake of Pension Credit.

The latest available take-up estimates Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up: financial year ending 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) cover the financial year 2021/2022 and suggest an overall Pension Credit take-up rate of 63%. The next take-up estimates covering the financial year 2022/2023 are due to be published in October.

The Government is determined to ensure that the poorest pensioners get the support they need. We will work with external partners, local authorities and the Devolved Governments to boost the take-up of Pension Credit.

As part of the current Pension Credit Week of Action, we have joined forces with charities, broadcasters and local authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and make a claim.

A national Pension Credit marketing campaign in the autumn will focus on encouraging pensioners to apply by 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.