The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is making a fresh push to ensure hundreds of thousands of pensioners across Britain claim a significant financial benefit they are entitled to but are currently missing.
Shocking new statistics show that 910,000 eligible families are failing to claim Pension Credit, a benefit that tops up income for those over the state pension age. On average, this support is worth an extra £4,300 every year, a sum that could be life-changing for many older people on low incomes.
What is Pension Credit and Who is Eligible?
Pension Credit is a tax-free payment designed to supplement your weekly income if you are over the state pension age, which is currently 66 for both men and women. The main component, known as Guarantee Credit, ensures your income reaches a minimum level.
This means your weekly income is topped up to £227.10 if you are single, or £346.60 if you are part of a couple. Even if your income is slightly higher, you might still qualify if you have certain circumstances, such as being a carer, having a severe disability, or being responsible for housing costs.
Furthermore, claiming Pension Credit acts as a gateway to a host of other valuable benefits, including a free TV licence for those over 75, help with dental treatment, council tax reductions, and the Warm Home Discount.
Government and Age UK Launch New Drive
In a bid to tackle the issue of underclaiming, the Government has recently partnered with the charity Age UK on a new initiative. This campaign involves sending personalised letters to 2,000 pensioners across England who have been identified as the most likely to be eligible for the benefit but are not currently receiving it.
Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, urged people to act, stating: "We’re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence. I’d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply. This country’s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to."
How to Claim Your Pension Credit
Applying for Pension Credit is a straightforward process. You can start your claim up to four months before you reach the state pension age. There are several ways to apply:
- Online via the official GOV.UK website.
- By telephone on the freephone number 0800 99 1234.
- By printing and posting a paper application form.
Pension Credit is available to those who live in England, Scotland, or Wales. The full range of additional support unlocked by the benefit includes:
- Free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses.
- Council Tax reduction.
- Warm Home Discount worth £150.
- Cold Weather Payments.
- Housing Benefit and free home insulation grants.
