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<p>The Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they
are entitled to and the DWP targets activity on engaging with people who may be eligible
to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change
in their circumstances.</p><p> </p><p>The DWP uses a wide range of channels to communicate
information about benefits to potential customers including information on <a href="https://gov.uk/"
target="_blank">https://gov.uk/</a>, in leaflets and by telephone. People wishing
to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling 0800 99 1234, which removes the need
for claimants to complete lengthy application forms. However, paper forms are also
available for those who prefer. The DWP is required by law to ask a number of questions
in order to establish eligibility and ensure accurate assessment and subsequent award.</p><p>
</p><p>DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres including visiting officers are
able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are staff in Local
Authorities who administer Housing Benefit.</p><p> </p><p>One of the best ways to
reach eligible customers is through trusted stakeholder working in the community and
we have developed the Pension Credit toolkit, as an on-line tool for agencies and
welfare rights organisations to use in order to encourage Pension Credit take-up.
It can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit</a></p><p>
</p><p>The toolkit contains resources for anyone working with pensioners and includes
guides to Pension Credit. It also contains publicity material and guidance designed
to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit and help organisations
support someone applying for Pension Credit as well as ideas for encouraging take-up.
The toolkit also provides links to information about disability and carers benefits.</p><p>
</p><p>Most recently we have provided to relevant organisations a fact sheet about
Pension Credit and forthcoming changes for couples to ensure that accurate information
is available in the places where people are most likely to seek information.</p><p>
</p><p>The majority of people of pension age in receipt of a State Pension or another
social security benefit receive their annual winter fuel payment automatically without
the need to make a claim. There are no plans to change the existing process of claims
to Pension Credit.</p><p> </p>
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