The DWP estimates that 880,000 pensioners across the UK are missing out on claiming pension credit – which is worth a lot more than the axed Winter Fuel Payment
A group of UK pensioners have received extra benefits worth £250,000 after finding out they qualified for Pension Credit.
It comes after a change in Government policy saw the majority of pensioners lose out on the Winter Fuel Payment– unless they’re on certain benefits, including Pension Credit – which the Department for Work and Pensions estimates 880,000 Brits are missing out on.
After being told they were eligible for the benefit, pensioners in Wales received £232,326 in extra payments. Rachael Walker of Policy in Practice, a compnay working closely with Neath Port Talbot council to find qualifying pensioners, said it was “two to three times more effective” at seeing a boost in take up than campaigns that urge people to check if they’re eligible.
The DWP say they’re working with “a range of partners to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and apply” for Pension Credit. Between January and August, 73 households saw a massive boost of £232,326 in annual Pension Credit income, as well as qualifying for £14,600 in winter fuel payments, the BBC reports.
Simon Knoyle, cabinet member for social justice, said: “We believe it has been a really good start, but this is only the start. We’re hoping to find more people who are eligible who haven’t claimed to date, to be able to lead them in the right direction to obtain those benefits.”
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is offered to Brits who are on a low income and receiving the state pension. On average, around £3,900 per year is awarded in Pension Credit payments, according to the DWP.
It can also open doors to other benefits, including the Winter Fuel Payment, financial aid to cover the cost of rent, and free TV licences for over 75s.
Who can claim Pension Credit?
You may qualify for Pension Credit if you’re above state pension age and are earning less that £218.15 a week, or under £332.95 as a joint weekly income with your partner. When you make a claim, your savings will be considered. The DWP estimates that 880,000 pensioners across the country are missing out on Pension Credit. In Wales alone, it is estimated that £117 million is being unclaimed this year.
How can I get help with Pension Credit?
- There are links to free, anonymous and external benefits calculators, provided by charities, and shared by the DWP. These can be used to check if you’re eligible and how much you could get.
- You can also call a free and confidential Claim What’s Yours external benefits advice helpline on 0808 250 5700.
- Brits must submit their claims by December 21 to recieve this year’s winter fuel payment.
Age Connects Neath Port Talbot, a charity that helps the elderly apply for benefits, has backed the campaign. Trustee Katrin Shaw said: “Anything that enables people to claim what they have a right to claim for is welcome. People don’t have anything to lose and it could make a real difference to people’s lives over the winter period if they find they are eligible for Pension Credit.”
A DWP spokesperson said: “This month we launched our Pension Credit Week of Action and joined forces with charities, broadcasters and local authorities to encourage pensioners to check their eligibility and apply. Five weeks since the Chancellor’s announcement about changes to Winter Fuel Payments, we saw a 115% increase in claims. We urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to Pension Credit to check their eligibility now.”
