Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has welcomed a new Government campaign to boost the take-up of Pension Credit in South Staffordshire as part of wider support with the cost of living.
Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, it is a passport to a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
There are already 2121 claimants of Pension Credit in South Staffordshire but Government figures show that around 25 per cent of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.
To help, the Conservative Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. 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.
Sir Gavin said: “While it is good that many eligible pensioners in South Staffordshire already receive the help they are entitled to via pension credit, it is so important that everyone else who can but currently do not claim pension credit are encouraged to do so.
“That is why I wholeheartedly support the Government’s major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.”
Guy Opperman, Minister for Pensions, said: “Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,300 on average.
“The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.
“That’s why I’m working hard to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”
