Many pensioners are not claiming extra money that they are entitled to, the Government has said.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is working to raise awareness of Pension Credit, which could give pensioners on average over £3500 a year.

Minister for Pensions Laura Trott is today calling on pensioners in the North West to check if they are eligible for pension credit.

Currently, nearly 178,460 pensioners in the North West receive it, with take-up in Britain at the highest level since 2010. However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help.

Pension credit is worth over £3,500 a year on average and is designed to help with daily living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income, though pensioners do not need to be in receipt of state pension to receive it.

The benefit 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 or caring responsibilities.

Even a small pension credit award can open doors to other benefits – including help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills, as well as up to £600 in extra cost of living payments later this year too.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said:

“It’s a tragedy that up to a million low income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up.

 

“And even those only due thruppence from it should still claim as Pension Credit is the key gateway benefit that opens the door to many other entitlements – including the remaining £600 cost of living support, council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.

 

“Any single pensioner earning under roughly £220 a week, or pension couple earning under £320 should check online or call the pension credit helpline just in case you may be due.”

Pension Credit can be claimed by phone and online, ensuring that older people can apply safely and easily, wherever they are. The online Pension Credit calculator is also on hand to help pensioners check if they’re likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. Pension Credit can also be claimed by post.