Pension Credit Offers Financial Relief, Encourages Eligibility Checks

An older couple is encouraging other individuals to verify their eligibility for pension credit, having discovered they qualified for thousands of pounds annually. Eddie, aged 77, and Maggie, aged 71, residents of Wallsend, reported that financial concerns had made them “miserable” and hesitant to warm their rented residence. They indicated that assistance from the charity Age UK North Tyneside facilitated their successful application for pension credit, amounting to approximately £10,000 per year. A government representative stated that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to contact 120,000 pensioners who may be eligible, encouraging them to submit a claim. The couple additionally found they were entitled to the winter fuel payment, following the government’s decision to restrict eligibility for this benefit to those receiving pension credit. Eddie commented that the funds had “taken a weight off our shoulders”. The additional money also allowed Maggie to acquire an electric wheelchair, which she stated enhanced her independence. “I fly around in it,” Maggie remarked. She urged others to apply, suggesting it could “change your life”. Approximately one-third of pensioners who meet the criteria for pension credit are not currently claiming it. Lindsay Sear, from Age UK North Tyneside, reported that her organization has observed a “massive” increase in related inquiries. “A lot more people are eligible for pension credit than actually claim for it,” Ms Sear noted. Concurrently, Alison Dunn, chief executive of Citizens Advice Gateshead, indicated that numerous pensioners continue to refrain from applying. Ms Dunn mentioned that some perceive a “stigma” associated with receiving it, and emphasized that it ought to be regarded as an “entitlement”. The primary eligibility requirement for pension credit is a weekly income below £218 for single individuals and £332 for couples. However, those with greater incomes might still qualify if they have disabilities or caregiving duties. A government spokesperson stated that efforts to promote eligible pension credit claims have been “turned up the dial,” with the ongoing campaign increasing claims by 152%. “We are urging pensioners in the North East and beyond to see if they could receive this help worth over £3,900 a year on average by applying for pension credit.” He further noted that the DWP intends to contact 120,000 pensioners who receive housing benefit but are not presently claiming pension credit, inviting them to submit an application. For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.