Following Rachel Reeves’ announcement last month that the winter payments would be means-tested, the government has launched a campaign encouraging eligible individuals to apply for pension credit.
However, some have asserted that the lengthy, 22-page form with 243 questions would discourage seniors from enrolling, causing them to lose out on a crucial payment when the weather cools.
Although the form is longer than usual for a means-tested benefit, charities note that certain older persons may find it challenging to provide the amount of information needed.
According to Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, navigating the 243 sections on the pension credit form is a challenge even the Money blog. It’s not a very long or complicated claim form, but many of us, especially many elderly individuals who have no one to help them, would find it difficult to complete.
Joanna Elson, CEO of Independent Age, concurred, stating that getting this much personal data might be intimidating and that the questions themselves can occasionally be complicated.
She added that elderly persons who are having financial difficulties “may be dealing with stress and anxiety, which can make a long form challenging to complete.
