I recently met with Pensions Minister, Laura Trott MP, to discuss the importance of local pensioners being able to access Pension Credit. It is worth on average £3,500 a year which can make a real difference to people.
I particularly urge constituents to check if they are eligible before 19 May 2023. This will ensure eligible pensioners do not miss out on the £301 Cost of Living Payment – which will give another financial boost to those who need it most.
Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.
It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities.
Provided a claim is made before 19 May 2023 it can be backdated for up to three months so long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.
Even a small Pension Credit award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills – in addition to the extra cost of living payments, worth up to £900 this financial year.
You can check to see if you are eligible here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility