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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people to help older relatives check if they are eligible for a £3,500 income boost. This follows as an estimated 850,000 pensioners across the country are missing out on the passport benefit.
Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, Council Tax, heating bills and a free TV licence.
In a new post on social media, DWP is urging people to use Father’s Day to talk to older loved ones they may be visiting about the benefit and check if they should make a claim. The quickest way to check is to use the online Pension Credit calculator here.
Read more: DWP update for Universal Credit applicants who need help to access extra benefits
The post read: “Spending time with a loved one on Father’s Day this Sunday? If they are over State Pension age don’t forget to talk to them about Pension Credit.”
Pension Credit tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability caring responsibilities. You could also be entitled to receive other help such as:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- Council Tax discount
- Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
- Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house
To use the calculator, you will need details of earnings, benefits, pensions, savings and investments. You will also be presented with a series of questions, including your date of birth, residential status, how much you receive and where you live amongst other things.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You will need your National Insurance number, information about your income, savings and investments and your bank account details, if you’re applying by phone or by post.
You can use the online service if you have already claimed your State Pension or if there are no children or young people included in your claim. To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
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