Pensioners have been warned they have 10 days remaining to check if they qualify for cost of living support.
The Government has issued a reminder that people have until May 19 to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit. Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.
It tops up a person's income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities. Those who qualify will also be eligible for a £301 cost of living payment available to support people amid skyrocketing inflation and energy prices.
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Ministers for Pensions Laura Trott urged people to check if they qualify for Pensions Credit. She said: "Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 a year – is reaching everyone who needs it, particularly as we know how much pressure households across the country have been under.
“Please check if you or your loved ones can claim for this extra support, and if you do it by 19 May you could qualify for the £301 Cost of Living Payment – giving another financial boost to those who need it most.”
Provided a claim is made before 19 May, it can be backdated for up to three months so long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.
Pension Credit, is a ‘passport’ benefit aimed at supporting people over State Pension age on a low income by providing on average up to £3,500 each year in financial support. It also acts as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax, housing and NHS discounts along with free TV Licences for the over-75s.
How to make a claim
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.
This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
You will need:
your National Insurance number
information about your income, savings and investments
your bank account details, if you’re applying by phone or by post
If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.
Apply online
You can use the online service if:
you have already claimed your State Pension
there are no children or young people included in your claim
To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
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