Tens of thousands of pensioners in the UK may not receive their Winter Fuel Payments before Christmas due to a substantial backlog in Pension Credit claims, as reported by BBC Verify. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is struggling with a backlog of over 90,000 claims. With the surge in applications since changes were announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, claims processing times have increased significantly, leaving many pensioners facing financial difficulties during the holiday season.