The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has urged people to claim cash payments that will soon be worth up to £201 each week.
In a tweet on Friday, the government department reminded people to check their entitlement for Pension Credit, the Liverpool Echo reports. It added that those who are over State Pension age and on a low income could be missing out.
The tweet came after Age UK recently estimated that around a third - or 34 per cent - of pensioners eligible to claim Pension Credit are still missing out on the cash. Pension Credit is a tax-free payment for those who have reached State Pension age and live in the UK.
READ MORE: Expert advice on what to do if you've been charged £120 at petrol stations under new rule change
. From next month this will be £201.05 for single pensioners, or £306.85 for couples.
'Income' includes:
- State Pension
- other pensions
- earnings from employment and self-employment
- most social security benefits, for example Carer’s Allowance
People may still be eligible for Pension Credit if they have not paid National Insurance contributions, have some savings or a small pension, live with their grown-up family, and/or own their own home. DWP has previously said there are common misconceptions that may be putting people off applying for Pension Credit.
Gov.uk clarifies that people of State Pension age may be entitled to Pension Credit even though they may have modest savings, or a retirement income or own their own home. It adds: "An award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence".
To find out more about Pension Credit eligibility, or to apply, click here or call 0800 991 234.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Smuggler thought he'd come up with the perfect hiding place for semi-automatic gun - until he was caught
- 'I was robbed at knifepoint in Selfridges'
- 'The beginning of the end of the authentic Northern Quarter?' The Oi Polloi story
- Drone footage captures dramatic moment drug gang responsible for smuggling millions of pounds-worth of Class As was busted
- The charming village with an alpine feel two hours from Greater Manchester
