Pension Credit take-up campaign launched

Pensioners are being urged to apply for a benefit that could be worth on average £3,900 per year.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a campaign to increase Pension Credit take-up.

It is thought that as many as 880,000 pensioners are missing out, and the Pension Credit Week of Action aims to spread awareness and increase claims for Pension Credit, which from this year will also automatically passport eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

Families, friends and neighbours are being encouraged to reach out to retired family members to encourage them to check their eligibility and apply. 21 December is the last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit, up to an estimated 880,000 households are eligible for the support but are not claiming it.

Friends, families and neighbours can also encourage their loved ones to apply, so that they are not missing out on this vital benefit.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they are eligible for this support which is worth £3,900 a year on average, using DWP’s online calculator.

People with a severe disability, carers and those who are responsible for a child or young person who lives with them could get more. Pension Credit can also include extra amounts for certain housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges.

Find out more at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit.