To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) the number of pensioners that have made applications for Pension Credit as a result of local promotion actions following the UK Government decision to restrict criteria for the Winter Fuel Payment; and (ii) how he will ensure all pensioners who can avail of Pension Credit will be proactively contacted by his Department.

In the three months following the Chancellor’s announcement on 29th July 2024, my Department received 3026 Pension Credit applications, a 56% increase when compared with the applications received in same period in 2023.

My Department continues to undertake a wide range of activities to promote Pension Credit uptake including: regular social media and broadcast campaigns; promotion work with age-based stakeholders; provision of confidential benefit assessment and help to complete forms; and identifying potential Pension Credit entitlement when a person makes their State Retirement Pension claim.

In addition, in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions, a letter has been issued to all pensioners regarding the Winter Fuel Payment entitlement changes which signposts to Pension Credit. My Department is also finalising plans with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to issue a letter to all older Housing Benefit recipients not already in receipt of Pension Credit, to make them aware about the benefit.