The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out important letters to 120,000 pensioners who may be missing out on a significant amount of money each year. These individuals are currently receiving Housing Benefit, but they may also qualify for Pension Credit, which could provide them with an extra £4,000 annually. In addition to Pension Credit, those who are eligible can also receive further financial support from the government, including the Winter Fuel Payment, which could give them an additional £200 or £300 to help with heating costs during the winter months.
Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds recently announced that the DWP will be contacting around 120,000 pensioner households who are currently receiving Housing Benefit but may not be claiming Pension Credit. This outreach effort is aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging those who are eligible to apply for the benefit. Despite previous attempts to promote Pension Credit, there are still an estimated 780,000 individuals who are not taking advantage of this support.
In order to identify eligible households, the DWP is using data from their Housing Benefit records. Local authorities are also being asked to support the Pension Credit campaign by helping to raise awareness and promote the benefit to those in need. Over 160 local authorities have already responded positively to this call for action.
Pension Credit can provide recipients with a weekly income top-up, raising their total income to £218.15 for single claimants and up to £332.95 for couples. Additional payments may be available based on individual circumstances, such as caring for another adult or having savings. It is important to note that you do not have to be claiming your state pension in order to apply for Pension Credit, but you must be of State Pension age.
By claiming Pension Credit, individuals may also become eligible for other forms of support, including council tax discounts and a free TV licence for those over the age of 75. To determine if you qualify for any benefits, you can use online calculators like the one available on the Turn2us website.
It is crucial for those who may be eligible for Pension Credit to open and read the letters from the DWP, as they could be missing out on thousands of pounds in financial assistance each year. By taking advantage of this support, pensioners can improve their financial situation and access additional benefits that may help them cover essential expenses.
