Independent Age wants to see increased uptake of income-related support for those living on a low income in later life.
Independent Age is urging the new Labour Government to provide more financial support for older people living on their own whose sole source of retirement income is the State Pension . The charity said that around one-third of all pensioners eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving the annual income boost worth £3,900, and more needs to be done to increase take-up.
“In the longer term the UK Government should lead a cross-party review to establish what level of income is needed to avoid financial hardship in later life and ensure everyone is able to reach it. We are also calling on the UK Government to establish consistent national social tariffs to make sure that essentials like energy and water are affordable for everyone.
Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including more than 126,800 living in Scotland, are currently receiving the means-tested benefit that could provide an average of £3,900 in support during the year ahead. However, the latest figures from the DWP suggest there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.
Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it and how much you could get.
Benefits DWP Personal Finance Money Worries Council Tax Broadband Fuel Bills Charity
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