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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

DWP urging people to claim extra £3,500 each year

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has said many people could be missing out on cash worth around £3,500 per year.

In a tweet on Monday, the government department urged people to check their entitlement for Pension Credit. The money, it said, can be used to help with daily living costs such as "Council tax, housing costs and heating bills".

It comes after Age UK estimated last month that around a third (34%) of pensioners eligible to claim Pension Credit are still missing out.

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Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 a week for single pensioners or £278.70 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who have reached State Pension age and live in the UK.

People may still be eligible for Pension Credit if they have not paid National Insurance contributions, have some savings or a small pension, live with their grown-up family, and/or own their own home.

DWP has previously said there are common misconceptions that may be putting people off applying for Pension Credit. Gov.uk clarifies that people of State Pension age may be entitled to Pension Credit even though they may have modest savings, or a retirement income or own their own home.

It adds: "An award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence".

To find out more about Pension Credit eligibility, or to apply, click here or call 0800 991 234.

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