State pensioners urged to do simple check which may boost income by £3,300 | Personal Finance | Finance
Many pensioners are struggling with their finances amid the rising cost of living. With a limited income, it can be difficult to cover all of the daily costs one will encounter.
For this reason, it is vital pensioners check they are getting all the support they are entitled to.
One vital form of support is Pension Credit, which is overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It provides low income Britons with extra money if they are over state pension age, to help with their living costs.
But who is eligible for Pension Credit, and how can this be determined?
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This includes those deferring the state pension, people who own more than one property, those who are self-employed, and people with housing costs.
These Britons will have to find out about Pension Credit in an alternative way, and this is primarily through the phone.
Pensioners who have more than one property, housing costs, or who are self-employed should call the Pension Credit claim line.
Those deferring their state pension will need to call the Pension Service helpline to ask about the benefit.
An application for Pension Credit can be started up to four months before reaching state pension age.
Individuals can apply at any time after they reach state pension age, however, it is worth noting the application can only be backdated by three months.
The Government has said Pension Credit can be worth over £3,300 annually, which could make a substantial difference to a person’s day to day life.
Guy Opperman, Minister for Pensions, said: “We recognise the challenges some pensioners will be facing with the cost of living which is why promoting Pension Credit is a priority.
“That’s why we’re calling on everyone with retired family, friends and loved ones to check in with them and see if they can get this extra financial support.”
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