Acting legend Brian Cox leads new campaign to encourage pension credit sign ups

Succession star Brian Cox is fronting a new campaign urging older people to make sure they have applied for pension credit ahead of this winter.

Mr Cox has joined forces with the group Independent Age to highlight the importance of applying for the benefit, ahead of millions set to lose their Winter Fuel Allowance this year.

Mr Cox's involvement in the campaign comes after he used an appearance on Laura Kuenessberg's Sunday politics show to blast Rachel Reeves' cruel cut, and demand that the government "Look at the reality!"

He is joined by Jane Asher and Sue Holderness, who implore older Brits to check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit before December 21, the deadline for receiving Winter Fuel payments.

In a statement, Mr Cox explained he was backing the crucial campaign amid older people having to worry about turning their heating on, something that should't be a part of a "compassionate and just society".

TV star Jane Asher said she was "astounded" to learn that nearly one million older people may lose out on their Winter Fuel Payments this year.

While Only Fools and Horses Star Sue Holderness said anyone concerned should call Independent Age before the deadline, who can run a free welfare check and support applications for pension credit.

Mr Cox, a proud Scot, pointed out that while 150,000 pensioners in Scotland live in poverty, around 90,000 older people are missing out on the Pension Credit to which they are entitled.

He added: "It has never been more important to ensure that everyone eligible for Pension Credit receives it."

Joanna Elson CBE, the CEO of Independent Age, thanked Mr Cox, Ms Asher and Ms Holderness for joining the important campaign and shining a light on Pension Credit.

She warned: "The number of eligible people missing out is far too high."

"The people we speak to are already planning to make cutbacks on heating and eating, and going to drastic lengths such as visiting public places to stay warm. This shouldn't be happening, so it's vital more older people on a low income start receiving Pension Credit before the cutoff date, so they can top up their income and not miss out on the next Winter Fuel Payment."

People in England and Wales are entitled to Winter Fuel Allowance, if they were born before 23 September 1958; were living in the UK during the 'qualifying week' - between 16 and 22 September 2024; and they were entitled to get Pension Credit or certain other means-tested benefits during the qualifying week.

Anyone who will be affected by the upcoming changes to Winter Fuel Payments can call Independent Age for free on 0800 319 6789 for advice and guidance on qualifying for Pension Credits.