Local MP Mark Pawsey has welcomed a government campaign to boost the take-up of Pension Credit in Rugby and Bulkington to help pensioners with the cost of living.
Pension Credit is additional support for some of the most vulnerable pensioners and is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top-up to the State Pension, it helps access a number of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence. In Rugby, 1,704 people already claim Pension Credit but the Government estimates 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. Pensions Minister Guy Opperman has written to local newspapers across the country and the Department for Work and Pensions will send information directly to 11 million pensioners.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on the Gov.uk website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Commenting on the Government’s campaign, Mark said:
“It is great news that 1,704 pensioners in Rugby and Bulkington already claim Pension Credit, but it is important for everyone to claim all the help they are entitled to as the Government’s own assessment suggests that there might be over 400 others who might be eligible for the support, which is worth on average over £3,300. This would make a big difference to many of the most vulnerable pensioners in our community.”
Mark continued:
“That is why I am pleased that the Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access this important help. Although it is welcome that take up of Pension Credit is at its highest level since 2010, there is clearly more which can be done to reach those who could claim it and the Government’s campaign will ensure that eligible pensioners in Rugby and Bulkington know what support is available.”