DWP says time to check whether you are eligible to receive benefit worth £3,500
The Government says there will be "no let-up" in promoting Pension Credit, which helps less struggling pensioners. And it says applications for the benefit are up 73% compared with last year.
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, told MPs in the House of Commons that during one week in December alone, his Department received 7,200 claims for Pension Credit, an increase of 177 per cent on the previous year. He urged more older people to check if they are eligible for an annual income boost of £3,500, on average.
Mr Stride said: “Two-thirds of those we believe are eligible for Pension Credit receive it, but that means that one-third do not. We cannot identify them precisely in advance, which is why communication is so important." Pension Credit is a "passport benefit" which can unlock extra help with daily living costs including council tax, housing costs and heating bills. The latest DWP figures indicate £1.7bn is being left unclaimed by around 800,000 older people across Great Britain who are missing out on Pension Credit.
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