A week of action will challenge common misconceptions about Pension Credit, as government estimates show 35% of eligible pensioners are not claiming their full entitlement.
Bolton Council is using Pension Credit Week of Action (12-16 October) to raise awareness and to ensure that everyone who can claim, does claim.
There are between 760,000 and 910,000 eligible households who fail to claim Pension Credit which means up to £2.5bn goes unclaimed each year.
In some areas, the number of eligible households failing to claim is as high as 50%.
Many pensioners may be unaware of Pension Credit, or assume by owning their own home, being employed, having savings or receiving a private pension this will disqualify them from receiving it.
However:
- Home ownership is not taken into account when entitlement is calculated
- The first £10,000 of savings is ignored and assessments are based on a tiered basis above this level
- Pension Credit is paid in addition to the State Pension which can provide extra financial support
- You must apply for Pension Credit as it is not handed out automatically
Bolton Council and a wide range of cost-of-living support groups are urging people to check out if they are entitled to Pension Credit as potentially it is worth up to £4,300 a year per claimant.
Also, once a person is awarded Pension Credit it automatically opens up a vast array of other benefits which can be worth thousands of pounds more like:
- The Winter Fuel Payment
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefit
- Free TV licences for those aged 75 or over
- Support with NHS charges such as dental treatment, glasses, and transport.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Jackie Schofield said:
“While the rising cost of living affects us all, those on State Pensions may struggle more than most to make ends meet, so it’s nice to know Pension Credit is there which can make all the difference to people’s lives.
“If you are on a State Pension, have savings and own your own home, don’t assume you won’t be entitled to the benefit as it can be worth thousands of pounds a year.
“It’s easy to check if you are eligible, whether online or via the free DWP help line, plus there are lots of local cost of living support groups which can support you through any claim.”
Please encourage your family or friends who are of State Pension age to check it out here
You can make a claim online here or, if you need to talk to someone contact DWP free help line 0800 99 1234.