Older people are being urged to claim Pension Credit after the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) received around 10,000 new applications in just one week.
A nationwide drive encouraging older people to check eligibility for the so-called "passport" benefit - worth more than £3,300 each year - saw some famous faces and charities back the campaign. The "Pension Credit Day of Action" took place on June 15.
DWP told the Work and Pensions Committee that in a typical week they would normally receive around 3,000 new claims, but as a result of the drive “saw a tripling” of applications, the Daily Record reports.
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Secretary of State at DWP, Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, said this was down to “trying to appeal to the children and grandchildren of pensioners to encourage them to check” if they were missing out on the gateway benefit.
However, she added: “There were quite a lot of people who did apply who are not actually eligible, but that is okay. It is better for people to check and we want people to try to get access to the benefits if they are.”
But don’t let that put you off making a claim as Peter Schofield, Permanent Secretary at DWP, explained that between 60% and 70% of new claims for Pension Credit are successful.
He said: “The proportion who turned out not to be eligible has gone up, but it is still a good chunk of people who are applying who are eligible.”
A reminder about Pension Credit is sent out every year along with the State Pension uprating letter and while you may not get a huge financial boost, it could open a gateway to other benefits including help with housing costs, Council Tax reductions and free TV Licences for the over-75s.
Ms Coffey explained: “The thing we have particularly strengthened is getting a few pennies from the UK Government.
“People may not think that is worthwhile but it opens up a gateway. That is what we have been trying to talk about passports too - in effect, other opportunities, such as TV Licences and other elements like that, to make it more of a reason, as opposed to perhaps getting an extra even penny from the state. Many people, I expect, probably would not think that would be worthwhile, but it is worthwhile.”
The latest figures released by the DWP indicate £1.7 billion is being left unclaimed by around 850,000 pensioners across the UK.
Below is everything you need to know about the benefit to make a claim for yourself, a family member or friend. We also have details on the handy online Pension Credit tool which can quickly indicate if your claim may be successful and how much you might get.
Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income.
Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for any Pension Credit, but thousands could be missing out on the extra money and discounts it provides every month.
More than 1.4 million people over State Pension age across the UK are currently receiving the benefit, including some 129,671 living in Scotland, and accessing additional financial help with Council Tax, Housing Benefit, hearing bills and a free TV Licence for the over 75s.
You can find out more, and apply, here
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