DWP launches new Pension Credit take-up campaign
Around 760,000 pensioners are estimated to be missing out on Pension Credit worth, on average, over £3,900 a year.
By Money Guide editorial team
Published:
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a fresh push to lift Pension Credit take-up, with letters, ads and partnerships with charities including Age UK and Independent Age. Take-up of the benefit has historically run at around two-thirds of those eligible.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £237.55 for a single person, or £362.45 for a couple, and acts as a gateway to other support: the Warm Home Discount, free TV Licence for over-75s, Council Tax Reduction, Cold Weather Payments, and dental and prescription costs in England.
Claims can be made by phone (0800 99 1234), online or by post and can be backdated up to three months. There is no capital limit, though savings over £10,000 reduce the amount payable.
Pensioners with modest occupational pensions on top of the State Pension are often surprised to find they still qualify, particularly if they have housing costs or caring responsibilities.