State pensioners: Britons who qualify for pension credit could save thousands on bills | Personal Finance | Finance
As bills continue to rise, people are being reminded they could qualify for financial help from the DWP. Some 850,000 state pension age Britons are missing out on this DWP benefit which could also shave thousands off their energy bills and council tax.
Pensioners are missing out on an average of £1,900 a year in Pension Credit from the DWP, but that’s not the only thing they are losing out on.
Pension Credit acts as a gateway benefit to other benefits and “freebies” that could help pensioners make huge savings on their bills.
By not claiming Pension Credit they could be missing out on hundreds of pounds towards energy bills.
Britons who qualify for even a little bit of Pension Credit are also usually eligible for a council tax discount.
READ MORE: PIP payment: The date you receive DWP benefit will change in June
Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit in the UK, despite the support it can offer pensioners.
Henry Tapper, Chair of Pension Playpen, recently called for everyone to get behind the new Pension Credit campaign.
He said: “This is a rallying call to the UK’s key influencers, the charities, the banks, the insurers, the pension trusts, the utilities and other services supporting pensioners to support the ‘Pension Credit – it’s for you!’ campaign.
“Around one in three eligible households are currently being failed.”
Pension credit claimants may also be able to claim:
Reduced council tax bills
Capped water bills
Warm Home Discount Scheme of £140 off fuel bills
£25 in Cold Weather Payments
Disabled Facilities Grant (up to £30,000) to make changes to a home
Homeowners can apply for up to £10,000 to pay for a boiler
Homeowners can get help to pay for double glazing as part of the Green Homes Scheme
Up to £300 in Winter Fuel Payments
Help with housing costs
Help with funeral costs.
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