The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has warned retirees who may be eligible for the £324 Cost of Living Payment that they have until Sunday to ensure they don't miss out. If people would have qualified for Pension Credit three months ago, during the qualifying period for the £324 payment, they have until December 18 to make a backdated claim.
So pensioners are now being urged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, LancashireLive reports. If they are, not only will they benefit from the regular support, but may also be able to receive the £324, plus other benefits that can come with being a Pension Credit claimant, such as Council Tax discounts and a free TV licence.
Claims for Pension Credit can be backdated by a maximum of three months which is why pensioners must make a claim by Sunday. The second instalment of the Cost of Living Payment, worth £324, was only made to people who received or were later found to be eligible for, certain means-tested benefits during a qualifying period, three months ago.
READ MORE: DWP Cold Weather Payments eligibility and temperature they kick in
The DWP Tweeted on Monday (Dec 12): "Six days to go: Don't miss out on the £324 Cost Of Living Payment as a recipient of #PensionCredit - submit your application for Pension Credit before 18 Dec."
The tweet continued: "Did you know, if you get Pension Credit you could also get help with broadband fees? You could be on average £3,500 a year better off if you qualify for #PensionCredit To check your eligibility and to apply, call 0800 99 1234 or visit http://ow.ly/4s2Z50LWpAr."
Pension Credit supports people who are over State Pension age and are on low incomes with daily living costs. It tops a person's income up to a minimum of £182.60 per week for single pensioners, and £278.70 for couples. You do not have to receive State Pension to get Pension Credit.
The benefit can also allow people to access other types of support, including: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in; Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in; a Council Tax discount; a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over; help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.
Support with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme is also available to some claimants, depending on the type of Pension Credit they receive. They could also get a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if they move house.
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: "The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit. Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it."
READ NEXT:
DWP PIP payments worth up to £627.40 for people with 24 respiratory conditions
Nottinghamshire Live Christmas tree contest: we want to see the best Christmas trees in the city!
Nottinghamshire mum says Smyths Toys rejected son who tried to pay with change
New restrictions for Nottinghamshire residential area hit by obstructive parking
The Nottinghamshire village with an 'impressive amount' of pubs
