People are being urged to check if they are missing out on up to £201 each week from the Department for Work and Pensions.
The DWP has launched a Week of Action aimed at making sure low income pensioners "who’ve paid into the system for years" are not missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up. It is believed that as many as a million eligible people in the UK are not getting Pension Credit.
Pensions minister Laura Trott is calling on pensioners to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit ahead of the launch of a new “Invitation to Claim” trial. Pension Credit is worth over £3,500 a year on average and is designed to help with daily living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Read More: DWP benefit claimants can get loans of up to £812 - here's how
The benefit tops up a person's income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples – or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities. However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help.
Even a small Pension Credit award can open doors to other benefits, including help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills, as well as up to £600 in extra Cost of Living payments later this year too. The Week of Action will see DWP joining forces with charities, stakeholders, broadcasters, and a whole range of partners to highlight the help available and encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and apply.
The online Pension Credit calculator helps people find if they’re eligible for Pension Credit and how much they could get. Further information, including on how to claim, can be found at Pension Credit: Overview.
To get the latest money news direct to your inbox, click here
Read Next:
