MP urges pensioners to check eligibility for Pension Credit

WARRINGTON South MP Sarah Hall is encouraging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit before the 21 December Deadline.

Eligible pensioners should sign up for Pension Credit by the deadline on 21st December to receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

Applications for Pension Credit have gone up by 145% since the government’s campaign started but many eligible pensioners in Warrington South are still not claiming the benefit.
The government has said that they are committed to ensuring that all pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit apply for it in time to also receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Pensioners need to apply for Pension Credit by 21 December to receive the payment of up to £300.
Pension Credit itself is worth £3,900 a year on average and also acts as a gateway to other benefits beyond the Winter Fuel Payment. This means even just one pound could passport pensioners to extra help including help with Council tax and Housing 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 could be eligible via the Pension Credit calculator or they can call the Pension Credit Line on 0800 99 1234. Pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible.
Earlier this year Ms Hall invited pensioners to book special surgery appointments to discuss their eligibility for Pension Credit and other support available, helping those who got in touch.
In order to support more local pensioners, Sarah Hall MP is once again inviting pensioners to book appointments for these special advice surgeries. If you are interested in booking one of these appointments you or a family member can reach out on SarahHall.co.uk/Contact.

The Warrington South MP said: “It’s important that if you are eligible to receive Pension Credit you should apply for it by 21st December on www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.
“Pension Credit it available to those who receive less than £218.15 a week or £332.95 as a couple and means you could receive an additional £3,900 a year on average on top of your pension.
“Pension Credit is also a gateway to receiving other benefits including Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit and the Winter Fuel Payment.
“I would encourage any pensioner who is on a low income to get in touch and book an appointment at one of my special advice surgeries to see if you are receiving everything you are entitled to.”

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said: “The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.
“That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit. “This government is completely committed to supporting pensioners – with millions also set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.”
This campaign comes alongside the announcement that millions are set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through the government’s commitment to the triple lock.
The government has also made other support available, by delivering the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households from October and extending the Household Support Fund with £421 million, to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families.