A big jump in pensioners applying for the means-tested benefit came after ministers limited winter fuel payments.

Just 42,500 applications for pension credit have been approved over the past 16 weeks - less than 5% of the 880,000 people the Government said were missing out on the benefit in July

The government and campaigners are urging people to check if they are eligible for pension credit following changes to the winter fuel allowance.

It was confirmed that Scottish pensioners will receive between £100 and £300 in winter fuel payments next year after a decision by the Scottish Government.

All Scottish pensioners are to receive a winter fuel payment of at least £100 from next year after SNP ministers staged a partial about-turn on cutting the benefit. Shirley Anne-Somerville, the SNP’s Social Justice Secretary,

Following Rachel Reeves’ announcement in July, pensioners must be claiming the means-tested benefit to be sent the winter fuel payment worth £200-300. They have until 21 December to apply and still receive a backdated payment for 2024 (if successful).