Pensioners and their families have been urged to check if they can claim an extra benefit which will make them eligible to get the second cost of living payment as well as give them extra cash every week.
It is thought that about 800,000 households are not claiming pension credit, which is a benefit for retired people on low incomes. As well as being worth £1000s every year, it also allows you to access a whole raft of other benefits, including council tax discounts, warm home discounts and free TV licences.
The second part of the £650 cost of living payment will start to be paid from November 8, and those claiming pension credit on or before 25 September will automatically get the £324 payment. However, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people not to be put off making a claim, as if the benefit is found to be due, it can be backdated three months, making the claimant still able to get the extra cost of living payment.
