The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed to Brits that "additional resources" have bene put in place to help them process new Pension Credit claims.
The DWP also shared that the new Pension Credit claims are at an "all time high" following a successful summer campaign to drive the take up of the benefit, reports the Daily Record. The benefit was created for those of State Pension age who are on a low income.
New claims for the "passport" benefit, which could be worth up to £3,300 annually in financial support and discounts, are being dealt with as quickly as they can be. The DWP said that decision letters are being sent out within six weeks, and successful claims are backdated to ensure that nobody misses out on the extra financial support.
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Pensions Minister, Guy Opperman MP, has said that it is "more important than ever before to ensure that eligible pensioners claim Pension Credit” and that “the work to raise awareness of Pension Credit and increase take-up is ongoing”.
Mr Opperman continued: "The success of the recent Pension Credit campaign together with the Cost of Living Crisis is driving the volume of Pension Credit claims being submitted to an all time high.
“Additional resources are being deployed to ensure we deal with the increase as quickly as possible. We are also working closely with stakeholders and service providers to identify potential process enhancements that will drive efficiency and reduce processing times.
“Successful claims and arrears are backdated and paid accordingly, to ensure those who are entitled do not miss out.”
The DWP has also introduced a new interactive Pension Credit claim form that can be completed online, downloaded and posted to the Pension Service. This has been introduced in order to help people aged 66 and over receive support.
Here is all you need to know about the Pension Credit support services.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit that currently gives 1.5 million people across the country that little boost to help with living costs, if they are over State Pension age and are on low income. Some pensioners believe that because they own their home, or have savings, that they may not be entitled to the support.
However, the DWP said that hundreds of thousands of people like this could be missing out on extra financial support. If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- Council Tax discount
- Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
- Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house
How to make a Pension Credit claim
The Pension Credit claim can be started up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach the State Pension age, but your claim can only be backdated for three months.
You will need these details to file a claim:
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 the claim is being backdated, you will also need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. You can use the online service to make a Pension Credit claim if:
You have already claimed your State Pension
There are no children or young people included in your claim
To check if you are entitled to Pension Credit, phone the helpline on 0800 99 1234, or use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator linked here to find out how much you could be due.
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