Pension warning: Just 10 days left before deadline to claim additional £301 a month
Retirees on low incomes have just 10 days left to claim extra pension payments
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Retirees on low incomes have just 10 days left to claim extra pension payments with a boost of more than £3,500 per year.
Pensioners are being advised to check whether they could be eligible for pension credit before the deadline of May 19.
Britons can claim pension credit and still qualify for the latest £301 cost-of-living payment, which they will receive direct into their bank accounts.
People are being urged to check their eligibility and get an estimate of how much they could receive by using an online pension credit calculator.
People are being urged to check their eligibility and get an estimate of how much they could receive
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Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: “Pension credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 a year – is reaching everyone who needs it.
"Particularly as we know how much pressure households across the country have been under.
“Please check if you or your loved ones can claim for this extra support, and if you do it by May 19 you could qualify for the £301 cost-of-living payment – giving another financial boost to those who need it most.”
Those over state pension age and on a low income with daily living costs can benefit from pension credit.
You don't need to be in receipt of the state pension to receive it.
It boosts a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and up to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities.
Described as a “gateway benefit”, pension credit can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills, in addition to the extra cost-of-living payments, worth up to £900 this financial year.
Around 1.4 million pensioners receive pension credit, but many who could be eligible are not claiming the extra financial help.
Described as a 'gateway benefit', pension credit can provide access to a wide range of other benefits
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The benefit can be claimed online or by calling the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Claimants will need their National Insurance number, bank account details and information about income, savings and investments.
Those claiming after reaching the state pension age can backdate the claim for up to three months.