Last week was Pension Credit Week of Action, which was all about raising awareness of Pension Credit and encouraging people to check their eligibility and make a claim.
Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they are (over State Pension age) and on a low income.
Pension Credit can also provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence.
One third (34 per cent) of pensioners eligible to claim Pension Credit are still missing out, this is a huge concern, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
The Government’s own figures show that 770,000 eligible pensioner households (single or couples) are not receiving their Pension Credit payments, worth around £1.5 billion every year, that’s an average of £1,900 a year, per household.
Despite common misconceptions, people can be entitled even if they own their own homes, have savings or receive a small occupational pension.
Almost half of the people who currently receive Pension Credit own their own homes.
It is easy to claim. People just need to make one simple, free phone call (0800 991234), claim online or fill out a paper claim form, details of which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
With many people struggling with bills and the cost of living crisis, making people more aware of what they are entitled to is so important in these difficult times we are in.
Rodney Sadd
Supporter of the NPC
Adcocks Avenue
Crowland
