Pension Credit waiting time response

captainmainwaring

Good evening all. Just a quick question please. Friend of mine applied for PC back in mid December 2025. As of today, 16th March she's had no response. Does anyone know the time line please? I know she can phone or write which, will be her next move, but thought I'd ask here first on her behalf. Thanks in advance.

Lindlou

About 12 months ago, there was around a 6 month wait.

No idea if this has improved though.

TimeLord1

The most effective way to jump the queue is to demonstrate immediate financial need. If your friend is struggling with energy bills, food, or rent, she should call the Pension Service (0800 99 1234) and ask to speak to a supervisor to "escalate" or try the claim on hardship grounds. Other than that it's waiting in line with the mass. All caused by the winter fuel removal over 250,000 claims so don't expect speed even with modern technology.

Murphybear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81926582#Comment_81926582

My claim for PC took over a year. 😿 They phoned me as they needed some more information. I asked (very politely) why there was such a delay and the response was “Sorry, I have no idea”.

Fortunately I got a years worth of back payments very quickly

TimeLord1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936189#Comment_81936189

Some people seem to take priority over others, I'm unsure how they designate who waits but some get it up and running in weeks coming in after someone waiting months. How they decide to prioritise certain claims could be down to who is helping them.

Murphybear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81936679#Comment_81936679

I agree. There was a problem a few years ago. The Government had a big advertising campaign to encourage pensioners to claim Pension Credit. Unfortunately it seemed they weren’t taking on any extra staff. They were flooded with applications so people had to just wait.

captainmainwaring

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81926582#Comment_81926582

Thanks for your reply. They have been contacted about 10 days ago and was told there was no received application in her name! I know it was done in December last year because I helped her fill it all in online. Very strange. Now I'll have to do another one and that's 3 months wasted. I think the hardship grounds may have to be the way to go. Once again, thank you.

TimeLord1

​If you did the application online, there should be a confirmation email or a submission reference number ? That will be your proof to backdate the application.