UP to 700,000 poorer pensioners still risk missing out on Winter Fuel Payments despite a long take-up drive.
Ministers last night issued a plea for OAPs to register for Pension Credit ahead of the December 21 deadline.
Anyone on Pension Credit could get benefits of around £4,200 a year in all, including Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences.
Retirees have to claim Pension Credit in order to get the £200-£300 fuel cash after Labour’s controversial move to start means-testing the cold weather cash.
Around 150,000 people have signed up since late July when an awareness campaign was launched.
But it is thought around 700,000 eligible low-income OAPs are still yet to sign up to claim it.
Pension Credits top up weekly incomes to £218.15 for single people, or £332.95 for couples.
Relatives are being urged to help elderly loved ones fill out the eligibility form on the Government website.
Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds said: “We know 90 per cent of new customers apply using our simple online form or over the phone.
“So I would urge everyone to check for their own eligibility or assist family members to apply online or pick up the phone today.
“The online process takes on average 16 minutes so I would encourage people to apply for Pension Credit, worth around £4,200 a year.”
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said its study found one in ten OAPs told they qualify are yet to apply.
She warned they will be “missing out on a regular tax-free payment through Pension Credit as well as help with other costs, such as Council Tax and rent”.
