The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it is contacting state pensioners this year to encourage them to claim Pension Credit, a benefit worth up to £3,900. The tax-free, means-tested benefit is available to those above State Pension age on a low income, raising weekly earnings to a guaranteed minimum of £238.00 for single claimants or £363.25 for couples.
During a Work and Pensions Committee hearing, Secretary of State Pat McFadden confirmed that letters are being sent out. The government is highlighting that those aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV Licence, regardless of whether the credit is claimed in their name or their partner's, as long as they live at the same address.
Around 900,000 of the country's most financially vulnerable people have yet to claim the benefit. To drive uptake, the DWP is launching a new campaign aimed at family members, friends, and neighbours of older people, hoping to overcome the 'pride' barrier that stops many from claiming. Previous campaigns using this method, alongside those featuring the late Len Goodman, have proved effective.
Mr McFadden said: 'We are always encouraging people to claim the pension credit to which they are entitled. There have been long-term issues with people underclaiming pension credit and not claiming the help to which they are entitled.' He added: 'I encourage every pensioner who thinks that they might be able to access this help to take it up. It is theirs as a right.'
Committee member John Milne noted that pension credit uptake remains at roughly two thirds, calling it 'a scandal'. Sir Peter Schofield, Permanent Secretary at the DWP, described current strategies, including using advocates like Len Goodman and encouraging relatives to check eligibility. He noted that the number of people on pension credit has risen by 34,000 in the last year.
