DWP issues ‘deadline’ warning as pensioners may claim extra £3,900 a year
Pension Credit is a vital lifeline for people of state pension age and on low incomes.
Pension Credit provides payments worth on average £3,900 a year and can also entitle a person to cost of living payments.
People who apply for Pension Credit before Sunday December 10 could qualify for an extra £300 cost of living boost
Commenting on the DWP’s campaign to boost Pension Credit take-up, Dean Butler, Managing Director for Retail Direct at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group said: “Pension Credit is a vital lifeline for people of State Pension age and on low incomes, and the backdating deadline of Sunday December 10 is particularly important this year as people who apply before the deadline could receive a £300 cost of living boost.
“With inflation still high and energy bills set to rise again in January, it’s important that people who are struggling are claiming everything they’re entitled to.
“A huge number of potentially eligible pensioners still don’t take up Pension Credit, however it’s worth over £3,900 a year on average so can be a real help.
“Many people mistakenly believe that if they have some savings or their own home they won’t be entitled to Pension Credit, with others worried about a perceived stigma attached to claiming.
“However, eligibility is wider than often assumed and Pension Credit can be a real lifeline when times are tough. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get help with heating costs, NHS services, rent and council tax and a free TV license.
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“We would urge people to check eligibility with a benefits adviser or the Government’s online Pension Credit calculator and make sure they are receiving all possible help.”
People who claim Pension Credit can get the cost of living payment if they were claiming the benefit during the qualifying period from August 17 to September 17.
A claim can be backdated by up to three months, so people can apply now and still get the extra payment.
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People on the benefit will also be eligible for another cost of living payment, worth £299, that is going out in spring 2024 – the exact dates have yet to be confirmed.
A person can apply for Pension Credit even if they have chosen to defer receiving their state pension.
People may be entitled to up to three Cost of Living Payments of £301, £300 and £299 if they get any of the following benefits or tax credits on certain dates:
- income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Working Tax Credit
The payment will be made separately from the benefit.
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