The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has urged people to apply Pension Credit.
Eligible claimants have up until May 19 to check they are eligible for the benefit. 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 - as Birmingham Live reports.
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Ministers for Pensions Laura Trott reminded 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.
Finance guru Martin Lewis appeared on Good Morning Britain and said it is a tragedy as one million eligible people do not claim the benefit. He said: "There are one million State Pensioners in the UK eligible for Pension Credit who do not claim it and that is an absolute tragedy. They've paid into the system for all of their lives and they're not getting this important top-up.
"The reason this is so important is that the average payout is £3,500 a year but, even if you were only due 50 pence a year from Pension Credit, first of all you get the £900 cost of living payment on top and secondly Pension Credit is a crucial gateway benefit. It's a superpower."
Martin Lewis says single pensioners with a total weekly income of under £220 and couples with a total weekly income of less than £320 should call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 to see if they are eligible. They can also see whether it's worth making a claim by using the online Pension Credit calculator on the Government website.
You will need to input personal details as well as information about any earnings, benefits, pensions, savings and investments so it can calculate eligibility. If you have a partner, both of you must be of State Pension age in order to get Pension Credit.
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