Britons are being urged to check if they’re eligible for a tax-free income boost through Pension Credit, worth up to £3,500 a year.
Claiming now could land people with an extra £300 through the Government’s Cost of Living Payments – but the deadline to secure this part is fast approaching.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: “You have until 10 Dec to get your name down on an application for #PensionCredit to also be eligible for a £300 #CostOfLivingPayment. Don’t miss an open goal – it could be worth £1,000s of extra support.” (sic)
It added: “If you get #PensionCredit you could also get a free TV Licence, support with your Council Tax, and much more.
“If you’re a pensioner, or if you think friends or family could be eligible, get an application in ahead of the #PensionCreditDeadlineDay of 10 Dec.” (sic)
Pension Credit rules mean an eligible claim can be backdated by three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time.
This could therefore qualify them for the Government’s £300 Cost of Living Payment for those on means-tested benefits, which was paid earlier in the month.
Paul Maynard, minister for pensions, said: “We want every pensioner to receive all the help they can and with time ticking down to deadline day and the window drawing to a close, now’s the perfect time to check out our Pension Credit calculator and make sure you or your loved ones aren’t missing out on this vital support. In many cases, it’s an open goal to more money in your pocket.”
The DWP dubbed December 10 “Deadline Day” and partnered with former football manager and player Harry Redknapp to raise awareness.
Speaking from his car window in an exclusive link-up with the Department, Mr Redknapp hails Pension Credit as a “brilliant signing” and calls on pensioners and their loved ones to check out the online Pension Credit calculator to see what they could get.
He said: “It’s always an exciting time of the season – I would just say to anyone, check in with your mum, dad, nan, or grandad. This could be a brilliant signing.”
Pension Credit is designed to help with daily living costs for people over state pension age (currently 66) and on a low income, though you do not need to be in receipt of the state pension to receive it.
It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and £306.85 for couples. These figures will increase next April by 6.7 percent, following last week’s Autumn Statement.
Other benefits are also available to those on Pension Credit such as assistance with housing and council tax costs, as well as scoring extra help with heating bills.
According to the DWP, nearly 1.4 million pensioners currently receive Pension Credit, but there are still many missing out.
How to claim Pension Credit
Applications for Pension Credit can be made:
- Online on the DWP’s How to Claim page
- Over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
- By printing out and filling in a paper application form .
People will need the following to hand:
- Their National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments they have
- Information about their income, savings and investments on the date they want to backdate their application to (usually three months ago or the date they reached state pension age)
- Bank account details.
