WARRINGTON South MP Andy Carter has welcomed a new campaign from the Government to boost the take-up of Pension Credit, as part of wider support with the cost of living.
Pension Credit is a top up for the most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, it is a passport to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
There are already 1,768 claimants of Pension Credit in Warrington South, but around 25 per cent of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.
To help, the Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
Pensions Minister Guy Opperman has written to local newspapers across the country and the Department for Work and Pensions will send leaflets to 11 million pensioners. A high-profile media day will also take place on 15 June 2022.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Mr Carter said: “We know that more than 1,700 pensioners in Warrington South already claim Pension Credit, but many more people are eligible for an average of £3,300 a year in extra support.
“Sometimes the benefits system can be confusing, that’s why the Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
“There are advisers available on the free helpline who can talk through what you can claim, if you think you might be eligible I urge you to pick up the phone and call for advice.”
Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said: “Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners. The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.
“That’s why I’ve written to local newspapers across the country, produced leaflets for 11 million pensioners and will be holding a Media Day in June to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”
