Nearly 36,000 older people in Greater Manchester are missing out on more than £1,700 a year in pension top-up payments, new figures reveal. Around £70 million is unclaimed across the city-region, with pensioners now being urged to check if they are eligible for the payment which 'could make all the difference'.
'Pension credit', a benefit designed to bring the weekly income of pensioners up to a minimum amount, could make those who are eligible £34 a week better off on average, with some able to claim much more. This could be vital for helping older people during the cost of living crisis, a new campaign urges, as well as checking eligibility for attendance allowance and housing benefit.
In addition to extra income, receiving pension credit also unlocks other financial benefits such as a free TV licence for over 75s, council tax support and grants for insulation and other green home improvements. According to the campaign from Greater Manchester Housing Providers, a partnership of 24 social housing providers, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, through its Ageing Hub, up to 7,477 eligible households could be missing out on this payment in Manchester borough, 4,192 in Wigan, and 4,017 in Bolton.
READ MORE: Wall's Ice Cream and a dog called Judy: Manchester's Whit Walks of the 1960s
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “With so much pressure on household finances, it’s vital that older people are getting all the money they are entitled to. A third of those eligible for pension credit in Greater Manchester aren’t claiming, with many missing out on income from attendance allowance and housing benefit too.
"If you own your own home or have a private pension you could still be eligible, so please take a moment now and check – for yourself or your loved ones. It’s going to be another tough winter and getting this top-up could make all the difference.”
Karen Mitchell, Greater Manchester Housing Providers’ Ageing Well Lead and Chief Executive of Southway Housing Trust, said: “For many people that bit of extra income can make a crucial difference between struggling to pay the bills and living more comfortably. With more households struggling to meet the cost of living, we urge people to find out if they are eligible for pension credit and other support.”
Over the past year the campaign has generated £3 million of additional income to older residents. Research was also conducted with this that looked into why people tended not to claim this, with barriers found including perceived ineligibility and apprehension at the application process.
Karen added: “We also discovered that some people are worried that claiming might impact other benefits they receive. However, qualifying for pension credit often prompts more financial support and people also find out there are other benefits they are entitled to but not claiming.”
Jean*, aged 86, from Gorton, said: “Pension Credit has helped me with lots of the costs including food, clothing and bedding. My son helped me fill the forms out – I wouldn’t be able to do it without his help.”
The 'Pension Top Up' campaign is supported by Independent Age, Age UK and Citizens Advice, encourages everyone to ask older family members and friends to check if they qualify for more income and know how to get assistance if needed. *Name has been changed.
