The Department for Work and Pensions has urged pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit to secure the Winter Fuel Payment.

The press release referenced the “difficult” decision to move the Winter Fuel Payment to a means-tested model, meaning it will be delivered to those on Pension Credit, targeting those “most in need”.

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. The Government have stated that they are committed to working with local authorities and older people’s charities and groups to boost these numbers.