As many as a million people in the UK are being warned they are missing out on up to £201 each week in unclaimed cash from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The government department is responsible for distributing benefits and pensions, as well as the Cost of Living payments. DWP is today (Monday, June 12) launching a "Week of Action" aimed at making sure low income pensioners "who’ve paid into the system for years are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up."
Pensions minister Laura Trott is today calling on pensioners to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit ahead of the launch of a new “Invitation to Claim” trial.
READ MORE: Universal Credit claimants set for cash boost worth up to £522 a month
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.
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.
Currently, nearly 178,460 pensioners in the North West receive Pension Credit with take-up at the highest level since 2010. 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.
he 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
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