Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to her Department's press release entitled You could get Pension Credit: Week of Action to drive take up, published on 1 September 2024, whether she has a target of the (a) number and (b) proportion of pensioners that are not in receipt of Pension Credit who will successfully apply by the close of the campaign.

No targets have been set, the Government wants everyone eligible for Pension Credit but not currently claiming it to receive the benefits they are entitled to.

DWP launched the Pension Credit Week of Action on 2 September, joining forces with national charities, broadcasters and local authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and make a claim.

From 16 September we will be running a national marketing campaign on a range of channels. The campaign will target potential pension-age customers, as well as friends and family who can encourage and support them to apply.

Our future campaign messaging will also focus on encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the 21 December 2024, which is the last date for making a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit in order to receive a Winter Fuel Payment.

We will also work with external partners, local authorities and the Devolved Governments to boost the take-up of Pension Credit.