Seven common Pension Credit myths debunked by DWP as…

Seven common Pension Credit myths debunked by DWP as up to a million people missing out on benefit

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has busted some common myths that could be stopping up to one million households from claiming extra cash.

Those who are of State Pension age and on a low income may be able to receive Pension Credit, which provides them with extra money to help with living costs. But according to DWP, many people of pension age are missing out on a weekly boost of £65 on average due to the belief that they will not be eligible.

The department is encouraging people to check whether they could qualify for the benefit and receive over £3,000 each year, releasing two new campaign videos to convince both individuals and their family members to put in a claim, the Daily Record reports. The YouTube clips explain that those who receive Pension Credit could also get help with heating bills and housing costs, as well as free NHS dental care and a free TV licence.

DWP has also debunked several myths that often leave people convinced they will not be eligible for Pension Credit. Here are seven of the most common beliefs surrounding the benefit and why each of them may not necessarily be true according to DWP:

'I have savings, so I won't qualify' - DWP has explained that you can still receive Pension Credit even if you have savings, as unlike other income-related benefits there is no capital cut-off limit and savings of under £10,000 are ignored when it comes to Pension Credit.
'I have my own home, so I won't qualify' - According to DWP, homeowners can still get Pension Credit - and in fact, almost half of those who currently receive it own their own home.
'I'm not eligible because I'm not old enough' - You can claim as soon as you reach State Pension age, which is 66 for both men and women.
'I'm not eligible because I can't get a State Pension' - According to DWP, you may be entitled to Pension Credit even if you are not entitled to a State Pension, so it's still worth applying.
'I've been turned down for Pension Credit in the past' - DWP has encouraged those who have had a claim rejected before to consider applying again, as their personal circumstances could have changed and they may be successful a second time.
'I would get so little money that it's not worth claiming' - DWP said that the average person claiming Pension Credit receives over £65 a week, meaning a boost of more than £3,000 per year. Not only that, but the benefit can also work as a 'passport' to help with other outgoings such as Council Tax and Cold Weather Payments.
'Putting in a claim is too complicated' - DWP has simplified the process, meaning that you can claim just by making one free phone call to the Pension Credit claim line. You can also claim in other ways, such as online or via a paper claim form which can be downloaded from the Gov.UK website.

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