The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that it aims to process new claims for Pension Credit within 35 days from receipt of the application. This means that a new claim submitted this week, which turns out to be successful, could be awarded before Christmas - or shortly after.
New DWP Pensions Minister, Laura Trott MP, said: "Following the successful launch of our campaign to increase take-up of Pension Credi t, we have received an unprecedented number of claims, which has resulted in average processing increasing.
"We are processing claims as quickly as possible and streamlining our processes, as well as increasing our staffing resources, which has resulted in the outstanding claims reducing considerably. All successful claims and arrears are paid accordingly to ensure no one misses out."
