That window of opportunity has now gone and it’s a bleak outlook for the huge number of pensioners who won’t benefit from her pledge.

Pension Credit is a means-tested top-up that lifts a single person income’s to £218.15 a week or £332.95 for couples.

A successful claim acts as a gateway to an additional £3,900 in additional state support, including help with heating costs, council tax and housing benefit.

Crucially, only people who can claim Pension Credit now get the Winter Fuel Payment,…