Pensioners struggling with a low income are urged to apply for Pension Credit this weekend as it opens up eligibility for a cost of living payment and other financial support worth £4,000 for the average retiree.
Low income pensioners can apply for Pension Credit any time after reaching state pension age. But the countdown is on to apply by Sunday 10 December as a successful claim opens up eligibility for an added benefit – the government’s cost of living payments – due to backdating rules.
All-in-all, it means an extra £300 can be added to the typical £3,900 claim, helping claimants who are struggling financially.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has teamed up with footballing legend Harry Redknapp, urging pensioners to check eligibility for Pension Credit.
This credit helps with daily living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income, though you don’t need to be in receipt of the state pension to receive it.
On average, the benefit is worth £3,900 per year as it tops up a claimant’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples.
But for those in receipt of Pension Credit, it also acts as a gateway to receive other support, such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and free TV licences.
However, pensioners should apply ahead of deadline day on Sunday 10 December as they could net an extra £300 in cost of living help. This is because successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months, as long as applicants were also eligible to receive it during that time.
Nearly 1.4 million pensioners currently receive this benefit, but there are still many who are missing out, though in the last year, there has been a 75% rise in the number of credits awarded.
‘Make sure you or your loved ones aren’t missing out’
Famed for his cheery transfer deadline day updates, Redknapp said Pension Credit is a “brilliant signing”, urging people to check the online Pension Credit calculator to see what they could get.
He added: “It’s always an exciting time of the season – I would just say to anyone, check in with your mum, dad, nan, or grandad. This could be a brilliant signing.”
Pensions minister, Paul Maynard, said: “We want every pensioner to receive all the help they can and with time ticking down to deadline day and the window drawing to a close, now’s the perfect time to check out our Pension Credit calculator and make sure you or your loved ones aren’t missing out on this vital support. In many cases, it’s an open goal to more money in your pocket.”
How to apply
Applications for Pension Credit can be made:
- On the How to Claim page
- Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm)
- By printing out and filling in a paper application form.
