Hundreds of thousands of pensioners could get up to £3,500 boost
Up to 850,000 households are estimated to be eligible but not claiming Pension Credit
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Hundreds of thousands of pensioners on a low income are missing out on vital support which can be worth over £3,500 each year.
As well as extra cash each month, they could also get multiple other forms of support including help with council tax and up to £600 in extra Cost of Living payments later this year.
Pension Credit is intended to help people who have reached state pension age and are on a low income with their daily living costs.
It’s estimated up to 850,000 eligible households are not claiming Pension Credit, with up to £1.7billion going unclaimed.
The DWP is trying to encourage people to check if they can get Pension Credit
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The benefit tops up the person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and £306.85 for couples.
A person who has a disability or caring responsibilities may get more.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched several initiatives this year to encourage pensioners to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit and to apply if they qualify.
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott MBE said in June: “We recognise the challenges some pensioners will be facing with the cost of living which is why, alongside driving down inflation, promoting Pension Credit is a priority.”
She added: “Speak to your older loved ones about Pension Credit and get them to check if they could be eligible for this vital extra support, worth an average of £3,500 per year.”
Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, said: “It’s a tragedy that up to a million low income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up.
“And even those only due thruppence from it should still claim as Pension Credit is the key gateway benefit that opens the door to many other entitlements – including the remaining £600 cost of living support, council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.
“Any single pensioner earning under roughly £220 a week, or pension couple earning under £320 should check online or call the Pension Credit helpline just in case you may be due.”
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Pension Credit can be claimed by phone, online or by post
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“Any single pensioner earning under roughly £220 a week, or pension couple earning under £320 should check online or call the Pension Credit helpline just in case you may be due.”
Pension Credit can be claimed by phone or online via the government website. It’s also possible to claim by post.
It’s possible to check if a person is likely to be eligible via the online Pension Credit calculator.
This tool also provides an estimate of what a person might receive.