The UK government has issued an urgent warning to pensioners to double check their eligibility for Pension Credit ahead of a new plan to increase uptake of the benefit. Pension Credit is worth over £3,500 on average but many eligible people are not claiming it, the Department for Work and Pensions said.
The DWP has announced an upcoming 'Invitation to Claim' invite, to be sent to potentially eligible households who receive Housing Benefit across 10 local authorities in the UK. This is in a bit to tackle the cost of living crisis faced by pensioners, who may be struggling with the increased cost of living.
Pension Credit 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. But even a small claim 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.
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Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said: “It’s a tragedy that up to a million low income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up.
“And even those only due thruppence from it should still claim as Pension Credit is the key gateway benefit that opens the door to many other entitlements – including the remaining £600 cost of living support, council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.
“Any single pensioner earning under roughly £220 a week, or pension couple earning under £320 should check online or call the pension credit helpline just in case you may be due.”
The DWP continues to work with stakeholders and others to raise awareness of Pension Credit, with a recent push for pensioners to apply before 19 May 2023 to receive the first £301 Cost of Living payment resulting in a 171% spike in claims over the two-week period before the deadline – over 20,000 claims.
During the Week of Action, the DWP and its partners will be tackling some of the myths that may stop people applying, such as how having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving Pension Credit.
Pension Credit can be claimed by phone and online, ensuring that older people can apply safely and easily, wherever they are. The online Pension Credit calculator is also on hand to help pensioners check if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. Pension Credit can also be claimed by post.
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