The Department for Work and Pensions has warned people of State Pension age only have next week to qualify for the £650 cost of living payment.
More than eight million low income households will receive £650 in financial aid to help with mounting costs as the price of energy, food and petrol skyrocket. The payment will be split into two instalments as eligible claimants should have received £326 between July 14 and July 31 with a further £324 due to land in bank accounts in the autumn.
The DWP has confirmed older people who successfully claim for for Pension Credit before the August deadline will be eligible for the full payment. In the latest edition of its Touchbase newsletter, the DWP said all new claims should be submitted as soon as possible and no later than Thursday, August 18 - as The Daily Record reports.
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It said: “To qualify for the first cost of living payment, worth £326, a person must be entitled to a payment of Pension Credit on any day from April 26 to May 25, 2022. However, new claims for Pension Credit can be backdated for a maximum of three months provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout the three months.”
It continued: “To guarantee that 25 May will be included in the first Pension Credit payment for pensioners wishing to backdate a new claim, we are advising that claims should be made as soon as possible and no later than 18 August.
“We would like to ensure everyone who is eligible for Pension Credit, claims it as soon as possible so they do not miss out on the cost of living payment. Pensioners, or friends or relatives on their behalf, can use this calculator to check if they qualify.”
Pension Credit, is a ‘passport’ benefit aimed at supporting people over State Pension age on a low income by providing on average up to £3,300 each year in financial support. It also acts as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax, housing and NHS discounts along with free TV Licences for the over-75s.
People on Pension Credit may also qualify for the £300 pensioner cost of living payment which will be added to Winter Fuel Payments in November/December and the £150 disability cost of living payment, due in September.
How to make a claim
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.
This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
You will need:
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your National Insurance number
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information about your income, savings and investments
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your bank account details, if you’re applying by phone or by post
If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.
Apply online
You can use the online service if:
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you have already claimed your State Pension
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there are no children or young people included in your claim
To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
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