£3.1m Needs to be Claimed in Pension Credit - Check Eligibilty
Added at 14:34 on 09 January 2024
Pension Credit is designed to help with daily living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income, 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 £182.60 per week for single pensioners and to £278.70 for couples.
Apparently there is some £3.1million unclaimed in Scotland, so check today whether you are eligible.
Many pensioners qualify for Pension Credit, but do not claim the extra financial help that can be worth over £3,300 a year.
Martin Lewis, founder and chair of MoneySavingExpert.com, is quoted on the UK Government website:
“Amidst the cost of living crisis, it’s a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners are missing out on a major income boost. My simple rule of thumb is if you (or someone you know) are aged 66 or older, and have total income of under roughly £200 a week, get online or call the Pension Credit claim line to see if you’re due a payment that can be as much as £3,300 a year. I’m not saying everyone will get it, but many will, and it only takes a few minutes to find out. So don’t stall, just call.
And not only is this serious money, it’s also often a gateway entitlement that means you’re due a range of other support, such as council tax reductions, the £650 extra energy funding help, warm home discount, housing benefit, dental and optical treatments and, for the over-75s, a free TV licence. So again, don’t stall, just call!”
Pension Credit can be claimed by phone and online, ensuring that older people can apply safely and easily, wherever they are. The online Pension Credit calculator is also on hand to help pensioners check if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive.
Phone: 0800 991234. Online: www.scotborders.gov.uk/olderpeoplesupport (Scroll down to 'Pension Credit', then click on the link to the UK Government website. https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit )
It may help tp use the Pension Credit Calculator at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
Or click the QR Code illustrated to take you to the Scottish Borders Council 'Older People Support' page.