Over 60? Don't miss out on extra cash

01/09/2008

Older people are being urged to claim Pension Credit while they may still be able to benefit from up to a year’s backdated lump sum. Many over 60s are still not claiming benefits they may be entitled to and are missing out on additional help - as many as 1.8 million households.

 

Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien says that many older people mistakenly think that owning their own home or having some savings automatically rules them out  from getting any Pension Credit to top up their income. In fact around 2.7million pensioner households are receiving on average around £50 in Pension Credit every week. Pension Credit ensures that no pensioner aged 60 or over need live on less than £124.05 a week - resulting in extra money for many over-60s.

 

The Government is working in partnership with Age Concern, Help the Aged and local councils to encourage more people to claim. Pensions Minister Mike O’Brien said: “It’s vital that older people claim money that’s rightfully theirs to help with their day-to-day needs. Don’t delay – if you claim before 6th October you could also get up to a year’s backdated Pension Credit.

 

“Claiming is easy – it can be done over the phone without having to fill in any forms in person. And you may also be able to get help with rent and Council Tax costs at the same time. Even a few pounds extra per week can make all the difference. Call free on 0800 99 1234 to get the facts. Friends and family can also help encourage people they know to claim.”

 

You can claim Pension Credit,  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit in just one phone call.  Being on Pension Credit can also entitle some older people to free additional help with their home heating and insulation through energy efificiency schemes. The DWP is writing to 250,000 people who may be entitled to Pension Credit shortly to encourage them to claim.

The Department of Work and Pensions say that the top five myths about Pension Credit are:

 

1 I don’t think I’ll be eligible for Pension Credit

Don’t rule yourself out. 2.7 million pensioner households already receive Pension Credit. And up to 1.8 million more could be entitled but haven’t yet claimed.

 

2 I’ll get so little it’s not worth me claiming

Even if you only get a little extra each month, receiving Pension Credit may help you get money for other things, such as rent, council tax or towards the cost of keeping your house warm.

 

3 It’s difficult to claim Pension Credit

It only takes one free phone call and you won’t have to fill in a form. Just call 0800 99 1234.

 

4 I have some savings so I won’t get anything

Having some savings or another pension doesn’t rule you out – around three quarters of people who get Pension Credit have saved something. 
In fact, you are rewarded for trying to put money aside.

 

5 I own my own home so I won’t get anything

Owning your own home doesn’t rule you out. Nearly half of pensioners who get Pension Credit own their own home.