HUNDRED of thousands of families are missing out on vital pension credit payments worth up to £3,900 annually, according to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The latest statistics reveal that up to 760,000 families entitled to pension credit did not claim it during the financial year ending in 2023.

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This is a slight improvement from the previous year when around 870,000 families were eligible but didn’t take up the benefit.

Pension credit, a means-tested benefit designed to top up the income of the poorest pensioners, is becoming increasingly important as it is now linked to other crucial support.

In particular, those claiming pension credit are eligible for the winter fuel payment, which has become more restrictive following recent government changes.

The benefit goes to those who’ve reached State Pension age, which is currently 66, whose weekly income is less than £201.05 if you’re single, or £306.85 for couples.

Those who have a higher income may still be eligible if they have a higher income but have others costs like housing, a disability, or even savings.

Claiming Pension Credit can also unlock extra help, including, a free TV licence if you’re over 75, help with council tax and support with household costs such as ground rent.

A surge in pension credit applications was observed after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced in July that the winter fuel payment would only be available to pensioners receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits.

This change, aimed at addressing a £22billion deficit in public finances, is expected to reduce the number of recipients of the £300 winter fuel allowance from 11.4million to just 1.5million.

Despite the recent uptick in claims, a staggering £1.5billion worth of pension credit went unclaimed last year.

This is a slight improvement from the £2billion left unclaimed in the previous year, but it highlights the ongoing issue of low benefit take-up among pensioners.

It comes as thousands of Sun readers flooded our Winter Fuel SOS helpline yesterday looking for help to hang on to the payment.

Figures from the DWP show that 65 per cent of those entitled to pension credit claimed it in 2023, up from 63 per cent in 2022.

While the rise is encouraging, campaigners argue that far more needs to be done to ensure older people receive the financial help they’re entitled to.

Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: “Boosting take-up of pension credit has been a major problem that has proven tricky to crack, with previous campaigns being derailed by the pandemic.

However, there are signs that progress is being made, with take-up creeping up to 65 per cent from 63 per cent the previous year.”

Morrissey added that the recent focus on linking pension credit to the winter fuel payment may drive further increases in applications.

She said: “The restriction of the winter fuel allowance to people on benefits such as pension credit has garnered many headlines, with people urged to check if they can put in a claim.”

However, she warned that the scale of the problem remains significant.

She continued: “More than 750,000 families who could receive pension credit are still not claiming it.”

“Pension credit is a hugely valuable benefit that not only tops up income but also acts as a gateway to other support such as a free TV licence for the over-75s as well as help with council tax.”

With energy bills set to rise again this winter, the winter fuel payment will be critical in helping pensioners manage their household costs.

Campaigners have urged those who think they might be eligible to apply for pension credit as soon as possible.

Joanna Elson, chief executive of Independent Age, described the figures as “disappointing” and warned of the real-life consequences for those missing out on financial help.

Joanna said: “Behind these statistics are real people who are worrying about whether they will be able to afford next month’s bills.”

She added that the winter fuel payment should be protected from means-testing to ensure the most vulnerable pensioners don’t miss out on essential support.

Joanna continued: “To ensure this group don’t also miss out on the winter fuel payment, we continue to call on the UK Government to pause their plan to means test the winter fuel payment.”

Campaigners argue that the current approach to encouraging pension credit claims isn’t enough and are calling for a more innovative, long-term strategy to reach those most in need.

With winter approaching, the pressure is mounting to ensure that pensioners don’t face financial hardship as energy prices soar.

For many, claiming pension credit could provide a much-needed lifeline during the cold months ahead.

Meanwhile, money saving expert, Martin Lewis was seen clashing with government minister Lisa Nandy over the Winter Fuel Payment decision that will affect millions of pensioners.

The Sun’s Winter Fuel S.O.S Campaign

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WORRIED about energy bills? The Sun’s Winter Fuel SOS crew are taking calls on Wednesday.

We want to help thousands of pensioners worried about energy bills this winter, with tips and advice on how to make cash go further.

Our Winter Fuel SOS crew will be able to help answer your questions on whether you can get Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment.

Ten million OAPs are set to lose the £300 Winter Fuel Payment due to government cutbacks.

It comes in the same month that millions of households are hit by a ten per cent rise in bills as the Energy Price Cap shoots up.

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We can help with advice on how else to save money.
Our phone line is open 7am to 7pm Wednesday October 9 – you can call us on 0800 028 1978.

Or you can email now: WinterfuelSOS@the-sun.co.uk

SAVVY shoppers can save up to £336 this Christmas with stocking filler perfume dupes starting at just £2.49.

Christmas is fast approaching, and if you’re looking to spoil your loved ones without breaking the bank, we’ve got the perfect stocking fillers for you.

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High-end perfumes might be a dream for some, but we’ve rounded up six incredible dupes that smell just like the real deal – for a fraction of the price.

From B&M to Poundland, here’s how you can bag luxurious scents for less this festive season.

Missy G.G. Body Mist – £2.49 at B&M

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Top of our list is the Missy G.G Body Mist that shoppers can snap up at B&M for just £2.49.

This fruity body mist has been making waves as a dead ringer for the iconic Good Girl Body Spray which retails for £47, saving you £44.51 – that’s 90% cheaper.

Shoppers are raving about it as the perfect dupe – and at just £2.49, it’s an absolute steal.

The bargain find was spotted in store and shared on social media by a happy shopper.

She posted a picture of the bottle with the caption: “Carolina Herrera good girl body spray dupe £2.49 from B&M smells exactly the same as the original it’s beautiful.”

It can be purchased in-store but you can’t buy online

Pink Plush – £4 at Poundland

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Next up is Pink Plush from Poundland, priced at only £4.

It’s a fantastic dupe for Moschino Toy 2 Bubblegum, which would set you back £43 at The Perfume Shop.

With a saving of £39, or 91%, Pink Plush offers a sweet, bubble-gum-like scent that’s playful and fun.

You can find it in-store at Poundland, making it an ideal budget-friendly option for Christmas gifts.

Quartz – £4 at Poundland

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For those who love Paco Rabanne Fame, the Quartz fragrance from Poundland is a must-have.

Filled inside a fun silver robot, Poundland’s Platinum Pour Homme is a more affordable dupe of the posh scent that retails for close to £70 at The Perfume Shop but is 93% cheaper at just £4.

This saves you a whopping £74.

That’s a massive saving without sacrificing on style or fragrance quality.

The purse-friendly collection, which hit the stores recently, has already taken the internet by storm, with fans rushing to Facebook to share the news.

One shopper, Nat Fergusson, took to Poundland Appreciation Society, where she wrote: ”Some fab fragrances at only £4 each!”

Perfect Seduction – £4 at Poundland

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Another standout from Poundland is Perfect Seduction, a £4 dupe of Katy Perry’s Purr, which retails for £28 at Fragrance Direct – saving you £24.

Fans of Purr will love this affordable alternative, with its fruity and floral notes.

The adorable black cat-themed bottle is a major win in itself – so even if you don’t enjoy the scent, you’ll have a cute little home decor piece.

You’ll pay 84% less by picking this up at your local Poundland.

For those after something more luxurious, Opulent Fizz from Poundland is another fantastic dupe for Dior J’Adore, which typically costs £94.99.

At just £4, you’re saving a whopping £90.99, or 96%, making this champagne glass-shaped perfume a true bargain.

It’s a perfect gift for anyone who loves a sophisticated scent, and it’s available in-store at Poundland.

Good Chica Eau de Parfum – £3 at Primark

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At Primark, you can find Good Chica Eau de Parfum for just £3.

This fragrance is a brilliant dupe for Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Eau de Parfum but is 95% cheaper as Good Girl currently retails at Boots for £65, saving you £62.

With contrasting notes of jasmine, cocoa, and almond, Good Chica delivers the same bold, feminine scent at a fraction of the price.

You’ll save £62, making it an affordable yet luxurious gift, available in Primark stores.

The perfume made waves on Facebook‘s infamous Extreme Couponing and Bargaining group when one user posted her lucky find.

The savvy shopper also mentioned isn’t the only great dupe Primark has in store.

She said: “They did have others too but I can’t remember the names of them.”

Pistachio and Salted Caramel Body Spray – £5.99 at Lidl

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Finally, Lidl’s Pistachio and Salted Caramel body spray is a favourite for those who love Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 62.

Priced at just £3.99, it’s a fantastic dupe for the cult classic, which costs £30 – making the 86 per cent cheaper.

You’ll be saving £25.01 on this tropical, sun-kissed scent that’s perfect for the holiday season.

It’s currently only available in selected stores.

You can find your local store by using the store finder tool.

With these seven amazing dupes, you can fill those Christmas stockings without breaking the bank while still gifting luxurious scents.

Many bargain stores are starting to sell dupe alternatives of popular branded products at a hugely reduced price.

Lidl is one of the best around as dropping a number of home and beauty dupes.

Dupe hunters have unearthed Jo Malone, Rituals, Molton Brown, Sol de Janeiro and Lush copycats in stores across the country.

There’s even a £1.99 dupe of the coveted Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Wash.

The designer version will set you back a mammoth £36.

AS I walked into the Waitrose Christmas showcase, I knew this year’s festive range was going to be above and beyond anything that’s gone before.

I was given the opportunity to test the posh supermarket’s whopping 554-product Christmas range, which includes 175 new items.

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Festive items have been popping up in Waitrose‘s 400 supermarkets since the end of September and will be available in full in December.

With so many products on offer, from moreish mains to divine deserts, the retailer really does have every aspect of the festive season covered.

Despite having so many products on offer, there was one item in particular that I really wanted to try, and that was the Limoncello fizz panettone.

It’s not Christmas without a panettone, but Waitrose is putting an interesting spin on the festive treat this year.

While messing with Christmas classics may seem like a controversial move, I’m fairly sure this one is going to be well-loved.

The Italian cake contains candied lemon peel, pockets of limoncello filling and is infused with sparkling wine syrup.

Plus, it is sprinkled with fizzy sherbert lemon sugar to finish.

The limoncello and the sponge complement each other really well and the booze isn’t too overpowering.

I think even the most ardent traditionalists would be impressed, and I can imagine a fight breaking out over the last piece on Christmas Day.

For me, it came out on top.

At £12, it is a little pricey, but it’s worth it if you want to impressive your guests this Christmas.

If you have a sweet tooth but chocolate is more your thing, then don’t worry, Waitrose also has this covered.

The supermarket is selling a £6 hot chocolate brownie that it says serves four.

The Belgian chocolate treat was really rich and creamy and the marshmallow toppings were the perfect addition.

If I was looking for just one word to describe this desert, it would be decadent.

But I can imagine it would be even more delicious served with ice cream and it’s bound to be a hit with both adults and children alike.

I also really enjoyed Waitrose’s white stilton with Luxardo Limoncello.

Even if you don’t like Limoncello, this one could still be worth a try as the flavour isn’t too overpowering and it doesn’t take away from the cheese.

It costs £2 for 150g.

SHOWSTOPPING CENTREPIECES

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Waitrose said it has created centrepieces that are ready to serve and create a “wow factor”, with table appeal, flavour and restaurant quality.

And you can really feel this sentiment in its centrepiece offering.

A beef sirloin is a staple of most households’ Christmas dinner spread, and Waitrose has decided to jazz its version up this year.

The No.1 wagyu beef sirloin joint comes with a beer malt glaze and shallot, herb and garlic crumb.

It will be available from December 20 to December 24 through Waitrose’s food-to-order service.

This service allows you to book and pay for your Christmas dinner and other treats ahead of time with collection closer to the big day.

It is priced between £59 and £72 depending on the weight you choose.

This varies between 0.95kg-1.16kg and can serve between four and six people.

But if your Christmas isn’t complete without a turkey, Waitrose has you covered here too.

The treacle glazed stuffed turkey crown costs between £60 and £75 for a bird weighing up to 2.5kg.

The turkey is served with chestnut and bacon stuffing and topped with treacle-cured bacon and finished with a sticky and delicious treacle glaze.

It is also available through the food to order service.

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to spend ages preparing for Christmas, it could be worth forking out for these pricey centrepieces.

They’re bound to impress your guests and will take little preparation.

So if you’re looking for a fuss-free way of making Christmas dinner, they could be a good option for you.

Waitrose isn’t the only retailer to have launched its festive range.

We had a first look at Fortnum & Mason’s 2024 Christmas range including edible coal, £40 hamper & £265 advent calendar worth £1,000.

Plus, we reveal the full list of supermarket Christmas savings schemes – and how to get £25 free cash.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

MARKS and Spencer is making a huge change to credit card rewards.

The retailer is axing several lucrative benefits next month, The Sun can reveal.

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The M&S Club Rewards scheme is offered to M&S credit card holders, for a £10 a month fee.

Members can earn extra reward points on their credit card purchases and free M&S vouchers for clothing, home, food and drink.

Club Rewards members also enjoy free next-day delivery, worth £5.99, on every order.

However, M&S will be discontinuing this perk from November 13.

The shake-up will also see customers earn less extra reward points when using their credit cards abroad.

Instead, customers will be issued more M&S vouchers as a replacement.

In an email sent to members today, M&S said: “We’re always listening to our customers and looking for ways to give you more of the things you love at M&S.

“So, from November 13, we’re making a few changes to the benefits you get throughout the year to give you more of what our customers value most.”

“Customers have told us they want more vouchers, so we’re increasing your M&S vouchers from £65 to £120 per year.

“You’ll still earn an extra two rewards points for every £1 spent at M&S on top of any Rewards points you earn on your M&S credit card. You’ll also get 32 hot drink vouchers and a treat for your birthday.”

Currently, customers receive three £15 vouchers and one £20 voucher, totalling £65, to spend in the clothing or home departments, either in-store or online.

However, starting November 13, Club Rewards members will receive £120 worth of M&S vouchers annually.

This includes four £25 vouchers for clothing, home, and beauty, plus two £10 vouchers for use at M&S food halls.

M&S is also ditching the fixed £12 food hall vouchers offered to members on their birthday.

Instead, these shoppers will receive an unspecified gift, which could be a voucher or reward points boost.

An M&S Club Rewards spokesperson told The Sun: “We’re in the process of contacting our existing M&S Club Rewards customers, to give them advance notice that some of their benefits will be changing.”

Is membership still worth it?

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, suggests that now is the perfect time to reassess whether these changes will still work for you.

She said: “M&S has ditched free next day delivery for its club rewards customers.

“For online shoppers this will have been a big part of the attraction, because it saved £5.99 on each next day delivery – going a long way to justifying the £10 a month charge.

“You’ll also lose the extra points on spending overseas, although the difference that makes to you will depend on how often you travel and how much you spend.”

The membership fee may still be worthwhile for those who primarily shop at M&S, as members will now receive £120 in M&S vouchers each year. 

However, Sarah added: “You need to be certain you’ll spend these vouchers and that you would have spent this money in M&S anyway.

“You’re effectively swapping £120 to spend anywhere for £120 to spend in specific ways at M&S.

“If you don’t get any other value from the club, you might decide this isn’t a decent trade.”

While shoppers will continue to earn additional reward points for spending on their credit card, it’s vital to consider whether this is the right choice for you.

Sarah said: “It’s only worth it if you have the discipline to take advantage of the benefits and repay on time and in full every month.

“For many people, the potential benefit won’t be worth the risk.”

What are the alternatives?

If you don’t primarily shop at M&S but still wish to earn everyday rewards on your spending, there are plenty of credit and debit card options available.

Many of these specialist reward cards are also fee-free.

Chase’s fee-free current account offers a debit card, which allows for 1% cashback on most spending, and shoppers can earn a maximum of £15 each month.

American Express (Amex) offers two cashback credit cards.

The fee-free Amex Cashback Everyday Credit Card pays newbies 5% cashback on all spending up to £125 during the first five months of card membership.

After this period customers will continue to earn 0.5% on all spending up to £10,000 and then 1% on all spend above this.

However, to take advantage of any of these cashback offers, you’ll need to spend at least £3,000 on the card each year.

The Amex Cashback credit card, which costs £25 a year, offers similar perks but without the minimum annual spend.

Customers are rewarded with 5% back on purchases within the first three months, then 0.75% on the first £10,000 spent and 1.25% on all spending above this.

Existing Santander customers can get ongoing 2% cashback on their spending with the Santander Edge credit card.

This comes with a £3 a month fee but gives customers 2% back on most purchases in the first 12 months and then 1% cashback thereafter up to a maximum of £15 a month.

What is Statutory sick pay? 

Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a legal requirement in the UK which employers must adhere to, it provides financial support to employees when they are unable to work due to illness. If employees are off work for 4 consecutive days, employers must comply with SSP. 

What is the purpose of SSP? 

SSP is crucial to employees as it provides financial security and prevents job loss during illness. Employees will still receive the minimum level of income available whilst they are away sick, meaning they won’t have to worry about their finances or force themselves into the workforce.  

Complying with SSP also creates a healthier workplace for staff where they can reduce the spread of illness and be assured, they have the freedom to recover. This contributes to a more productive and longer-lasting workforce in the long term.  

How much is SSP? 

You will be paid for all the working days you are off sick, except the first 3 working days which are counted as the waiting period. 

If you are eligible, you can be paid £166.75 a week SSP for up to 28 weeks of the year. 

You will be paid by your employer through the same system as your normal weekly or monthly pay. If you have multiple jobs, you may get SSP from each one.  

SSP eligibility  

SSP is available to those working in the UK under a signed contract. Employees are eligible for 28 weeks of SSP, if you have used this amount already, you will not be provided extra.  

You must be ill for at least 3 days or more, this does include non-working days.  

You must inform your employer within their set time or within 7 days if there is no set regulation on this.  

You could be asked to provide an appropriate fit note to show proof of illness. This can include a printed or digital note from the GP, registered nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or pharmacists.  

What if my employer is not providing SSP? 

As an employee, you are protected by law and employers who fail to meet SSP obligations could face penalties. If your employer is not providing Statutory Sick Pay and you believe you are entitled to it, then there are steps you can take.  

First, take a look at the criteria again to confirm you are eligible for SSP, then raise the issue with your employer to ask for an explanation. If they do not resolve this themselves then you can contact HMRC for assisstance. They will investigate the situation and if your employer is in breach of their legal obligations HMRC will help you get the SSP you are owed. 

SSP VS. Company sick pay 

While SSP can provide the minimum level of financial support for those unable to work due to illness, some employers will offer a more generous alternative, company sick pay.  

SSP is regulated by the government and there is a set amount which has to be paid to the employee if the criteria is met. However, company sick pay is a benefit offered by the individual business. This will usually cover the employee’s full salary or a higher percentage of their wages for a longer period than the SSP. The employee could receive their full salary for the first 2 weeks of illness, followed by a reduced percentage for any weeks after. 

This should be outlined in your work contract as company sick pay is an optional scheme set up by the employee.  

Recent updates to SSP 

The BBC have reported that stronger protection for employees surrounding sick pay will be coming into action. There have been calls over the past year to increase the current SSP rate as costs of living increase. This would better support those workers living in periods of sickness without financial support. This would also include those working on a zero-hour contract as the criteria stipulates you must earn at least £123 per week.  

The government is working to improve standards including workers being entitled to SSP from their first day of sickness rather than waiting until the 4th. Additionally, they are aiming to increase the SSP rate dependent on salary. 

Ministers have said this would benefit some nine million workers who have been with their current employer for less than two years.  

FIVE major banking changes are coming before the end of the year including account fee increases and savings rates dropping.

Lloyds is pulling its £200 free cash switching offer in December and M&S is making some big credit card changes next month.

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Meanwhile, Nationwide is lowering interest rates on a number of its savings accounts while upping the fee for one of its packaged bank accounts.

Here are all the key changes you need to know about, and what they mean for you.

Lloyds free £200 cash switch offer ending

Lloyds launched its latest switching offer last month, offering new and existing customers up to £200 free cash.

You just have to open a Club Lloyds account and the money will be paid within three days of completing the switch.

There is a £3 monthly fee to maintain the account, however this is waived if you pay in £2,000 or more each month.

The Club Lloyds account also opens up a host of other perks, including a 12-month Disney+ subscription, Odeon or Vue tickets and a magazine subscription.

Anyone looking to snap up the cash bonus will have to act soon though – Lloyds said customers have to switch between October 2 and December 10.

Nationwide Flex Plus account charge

Nationwide is hiking the fee on its popular FlexPlus packaged bank account from December.

The account comes with a number of perks including worldwide travel insurance, breakdown cover and preferential rates on loans and overdrafts.

It also comes with mobile phone insurance and account holders can use their debit card abroad without having to pay non-sterling transaction fees.

Currently, FlexPlus customers pay £13 a month or £156 a year for the benefits.

However, from December 1, the FlexPlus monthly fee will rise by £5 a month to £18 a month – or £216 a year.

This represents a £60 a year increase compared to the current fee charged for the product.

Nationwide cutting savings rates

Nationwide is cutting interest rates on a host of its savings account from next month.

The building society is slashing rates across the board after the Bank of England dropped the base rate from 5.25% to 5% in August.

The base rate is the rate charged to high street banks which is then reflected in mortgage and savings rates.

Nationwide has said it will cut rates on 24 of its savings accounts by up to 0.20 percentage points.

Tom Riley, Nationwide’s director of retail products, said the building society had “worked hard to limit the impact of the recent rate cut on our savers”.

Base rate (predicted) to fall

Economists are predicting the BoE will cut the base rate at its next meeting in November.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which sets the base rate, will also meet in December.

The BoE cut interest rates to 5% in August for the first time since 2020 but has held them steady since.

However, with inflation being held in check, Governor of the BoE Andrew Bailey has hinted it could be “more aggressive” in cutting rates.

Any drop in the base rate spells good news for mortgage holders who will see home loan rates fall.

However, it also leads to interest rates on savings accounts falling.

M&S credit card changes

M&S Bank is shaking up its Club Rewards scheme for credit card holders within weeks.

The scheme charges customers £10 a month and opens up a host of perks including free next-day delivery and rewards points earned when using your credit card abroad.

But from November 13 these perks will be ditched and instead customers will be issued more M&S vouchers.

In an email sent to customers on October 10, M&S said it was increasing the amount of vouchers shoppers get from £65 to £120 a year following customer feedback.

Customers will also continue to earn two rewards points for every £1 spent, it said.

How do I switch bank accounts?

SWITCHING bank accounts is a simple process and can usually be done through the Current Account Switch Service (CASS).

Dozens of high street banks and building societies are signed up – there’s a full list on CASS’ website.

Under the switching service, swapping banks should take seven working days.

You don’t have to remember to move direct debits across when moving, as this is done for you.

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All you have to do is apply for the new account you want, and the new bank will tell your existing one you’re moving.

There are a few things you can do before switching though, including choosing your switch date and transferring any old bank statements to your new account.

You should get in touch with your existing bank for any old statements.

When switching current accounts, consider what other perks might come with joining a specific bank or building society.

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Some banks offer 0% overdrafts up to a certain limit, and others might offer better rates on savings accounts.

And some banks offer free travel or mobile phone insurance with their current accounts – but these accounts might come with a monthly fee.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories