Pensioners have been warned they only have three weeks left to claim the £650 cost of living payment.
The payment will be made automatically to those who claim Pension Credit and other low-income benefits, but many people who are eligible for the benefit have not applied for it — meaning they will not receive the £650.
Those who qualify for Pension Credit need to put in a claim before August 18 in order to be eligible for the cost of living payment which was announced earlier this year by the UK Government to help people struggling financially amid the cost of living crisis.
READ MORE: Spain responds after outcry over £85 a day UK tourist requirement
READ MORE: Mum 'walks about shopping centres' to keep warm amid soaring energy costs
As well as receiving the cost of living cash, successful claimants will get a weekly top-up through the benefit, as well as other discounts including a free TV licence. However, approximately 850,000 eligible households are currently missing out on the Pension Credit.
As reported by The Mirror, MPs have pressured the UK Government to upgrade their strategy for boosting pension credit uptake by the end of 2022.
Age UK has encouraged all pensioners who are concerned about affording their bills amid the cost of living crisis to check whether they are eligible, and apply for Pension Credit before the August deadline.
Pension Credit is benefit that tops up claimants' weekly income to a minimum of £182.60 for individuals and £278.70 for couples. The full eligibility criteria can be found here.
In order to qualify for the cost of living payment, you must be eligible for Pension Credit either now or have been entitled to it between April 26 and May 25. The application for Pension Credit can be backdated as far as three months.
The first half of the £650 sum is currently being distributed, while the second part is due to be paid in the autumn.
In addition to the means-tested £650 payment, there is also a £300 support payment for around 8 million pensioners ahead of surging energy bills this winter.
Here is a full summary of the financial support you receive with Pension Credit:
- Cold weather payment worth £25, paid automatically when the average temperature is 0°C or below over seven consecutive days
- £150 off electricity bill thorough the Warm Home Discount Scheme (if eligible)
- A free TV licence (if over-75)
- Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital
- Help with council tax and rent
- Cheaper phone and home broadband deals
- Reduced water bills
- An extra amount of pension credit for some carers worth up to £37.70 a week
READ MORE —
- Glasgow property: Inside the £1 million six-bedroom 1920s house just outside the city
- Tesco shoppers praise return of £1 nostalgic sweet 'for 90s kids'
- Eurovision 2023: Glasgow named bookies' favourite to host next year's event
- McDonald's prices rise for first time in 14 years including burgers and McFlurry
- Cost of living: Energy price cap set to double to almost £4,000 in January
- Wave a flag for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. Share your message of support here
