Martin Lewis urges Britons to test if they’ll enhance state pension now

Jun 12, 2023 at 2:56 AM

Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis is looking on pensioners to test if they’re eligible for Pension Credit forward of the launch of the DWP’s new “Invitation to Claim” trial this summer time.

Pension Credit is value over £3,500 a yr on common and is designed to assist with each day dwelling prices for individuals on a low revenue and over state pension age (at the moment 66), although individuals don’t must be in receipt of the state pension to obtain it.

The profit is there to “top up” an individual’s revenue to a minimal of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for {couples} – or extra if an individual has a incapacity or caring duties.

At current, practically 1.4 million pensioners in Britain obtain Pension Credit and take-up is on the highest stage since 2010, based on the DWP. However, many are nonetheless not claiming this further monetary assist regardless of being eligible.

To encourage additional take-up, the DWP’s forthcoming “Invitation to Claim” initiative will see doubtlessly eligible households who obtain Housing Benefits throughout 10 native authorities in Britain despatched letters encouraging them to use for Pension Credit.

The letters will land within the arms of probably eligible residents in Eastbourne, Teignbridge, Pendle, Charnwood, Vale of White Horse, Redcar and Cleveland, Craven, Harrow, Powys, and West Lothian, guaranteeing a “representative sample” of city, rural, regional and nationwide areas.

Mr Lewis described it as “a tragedy” that “up to a million” low-income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are lacking out on what generally is a “crucial” monetary top-up.

He stated: “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.”

Mr Lewis urged: “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.”

The DWP has pledged to proceed to work with stakeholders and others to boost consciousness of Pension Credit.

Its most up-to-date push for pensioners to use for the profit earlier than May 19, 2023 to obtain the primary £301 cost of living cost resulted in a 171 p.c spike in claims over the two-week interval earlier than the deadline. This translated to over 20,000 claims.

Pension Credit could be claimed by submit, telephone and on-line, guaranteeing that older individuals can apply safely and simply, wherever they’re.

The on-line Pension Credit calculator can also be a helpful instrument to assist pensioners test in the event that they’re more likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they might obtain.

Minister for Pensions Laura Trott MBE commented: “We recognise the challenges some pensioners will be facing with the cost of living which is why, alongside driving down inflation, promoting Pension Credit is a priority.

“During the Week of Action (Monday, June 12), we will be out and about spreading the word – and you can help too. Speak to your older loved ones about Pension Credit and get them to check if they could be eligible for this vital extra support, worth an average of £3,500 per year.”