- Antony Higginbotham MP has welcomed a new campaign from the Government to boost the take up of Pension Credit, giving more vulnerable pensioners across Burnley and Padiham the support they need.
- There are already around 2,382 claimants in Burnley and Padiham but more people are eligible for an average of £3,500 a year in extra support and eligible pensioners could also a receive a backdated £324 Cost of Living Payment if they apply by 18 December.
- Nationwide, the Conservative Government has driven up Pension Credit claims and now wants to reach all those people who could still benefit but have not yet applied.
Antony Higginbotham MP has backed a new campaign to boost the take-up of Pension Credit as part of wider support with the cost of living.
Antony is calling on pensioners across Burnley and Padiham to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit as soon as possible to ensure they stand the best chance of qualifying for an extra £324 cost of living payment.
There are already 2,382 claimants of Pension Credit in Burnley and Padiham but around a quarter of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.
Commenting, Antony Higginbotham MP said:
2,382 pensioners in Burnley and Padiham already claim Pension Credit, but there are many more who could be doing so, which is why I want to encourage everyone who thinks they may be eligible to look into claiming it.
It doesn’t take long to check and for those who are eligible, it’s worth an extra £324. This is about making sure that those who need help are receiving it. And is why in the run up to Christmas I’m backing the campaign to encourage all pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
Please do check if you’re eligible before the 18th December.
Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,500. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, this can help pensioners access other support such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
Checking eligibility and applying by 18 December – just ten days away – will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.
Pension Credit can be claimed online or over the phone. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Commenting, Minister for Pensions, Laura Trott, said:
The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit.
Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it.
