People applying for a particular DWP benefit could be confronted with a daunting application form with 243 questions. However, ministers have unveiled plans to simplify this process, stating that some applicants will only need to answer as few as 35 questions to make a claim.

The Government has been encouraging people to claim their Pension Credit entitlement, as 38% of those eligible did not receive it in the 2023/2024 tax year. According to DWP figures, it can be worth around £4,300 annually on average, but many have criticised the complex application process as a potential obstacle preventing people from applying.

Labour MP Tracy Gilbert raised this issue in a written statement: “To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps his Department is taking to simplify the Pension Credit application process.”

Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Work and Pensions, Torsten Bell, responded by outlining how the department is simplifying the online application process so that the maximum number of questions a person will need to answer is 48.

He stated: “The Department is committed to modernising the Pension Credit service and regularly reviews the user experience to balance simplification with ensuring accurate awards. We are streamlining application routes by using information held internally to reduce the number of questions customers need to answer.

“The online form now requires a maximum of 48 questions, and for some customers as few as 35. On average, it takes just 16 minutes to complete, with around 90% of new customers applying online or by phone.”

Applications for the benefit can be submitted online, via telephone or through the post. The minister pointed out that presently, the majority of claimants opt for the digital route, allowing them to submit their application at any hour and receive assistance from relatives, friends, or third-party supporters if needed.

The DWP has previously highlighted that the user-friendly design of the digital application ensures most applicants only need to respond to between 35 and 48 questions, bypassing those irrelevant to their individual situations.

The Labour MP elaborated on the process for telephone claimants: “For telephone claims, callers are guided through the process by an agent. We will continue to keep the Pension Credit application process under review to ensure it remains simple and accessible.”

The postal application form proves considerably more extensive than the alternative methods. Spanning 24 pages, it contains all 243 potential questions an applicant might encounter when seeking the benefit.

Questions on these forms vary from basic enquiries such as the claimant’s name through to complex queries regarding housing circumstances that may necessitate legal documentation to complete. In addition to the intimidating application paperwork, those making claims are required to submit supporting documentation including income statements and evidence of housing expenses, which can extend the process considerably.

Since taking office, Labour has encouraged people to verify their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit if appropriate. The benefit not only delivers financial support but also unlocks access to numerous additional forms of assistance including council tax discounts, healthcare cost relief and complimentary TV licences for those aged over 75.