Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham is backing the Pension Credit take-up campaign as it emerges those entitled to it could be missing out on £3300 a year in financial support.
Currently, over 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit. However, many eligible pensioners including in Stockton North are still not claiming this extra financial help. It is estimated up to £1.7bn is being left unclaimed.
The deadline for applications is 18 December.
Pension credit tops-up State Pension by £182.60 per week for single pensioners and to £278.70 for couples. Having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving Pension Credit.
As well as being a vital “top-up”, pension credit can be a gateway to other support. Even a small award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills. For those over 75, this includes continued entitlement to a free TV licence.
Alex:
“With food and energy prices on the rise it’s more important than ever to claim what’s rightfully yours. Pension Credit can make a big difference to someone who’s reached State Pension Age but hasn’t got much money coming in.
“I also can’t stress enough the difference a friend or relative can make by doing a bit of research and talking to older relatives about what help is available.
“I’d urge any older person who thinks they may be eligible to put in a claim. Don’t miss out on vital support.”
Information on eligibility and how to claim can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
