An urgent reminder has been issued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), encouraging to pensioners to ensure they are eligible for a £324 cost of living payment in time.
Those in receipt of Pension Credit will be eligible to receive the boost, the second instalment of the promised £650, between November 8 and November 23.
In order to receive the payment, you must be in receipt of a means-tested benefit, including Pension Credit, Universal Credit and more.
The payment can be backdated by three months, so you must apply to be in receipt of Pension Credit by December 19 at the latest in order to receive the cost of living payment.
This is everything you need to know about Pension Credit.
Who can claim Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is designed to help with daily living costs for people over state pension age and on a low income.
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
It can be claimed by phone and online, and an online Pension Credit calculator can help pensioners check if they are likely to be eligible and provide an estimate of what they may receive.
Further information is available on the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
How much money will I get?
Pension Credit tops up a person’s weekly income to a minimum of £182.60 per week for single pensioners and to £278.70 for couples.
You may get extra amounts, known as ‘Guarantee Credit’, if you have other responsibilities and costs.
Martin Lewis, founder and chair of MoneySavingExpert.com, said that pensioners that are due a payment could receive as much as £3,300 per year.
He said: “Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, it’s a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners are missing out on a major income boost.
“My simple rule of thumb is if you (or someone you know) are aged 66 or older, and have total income of under roughly £200 a week, get online or call the Pension Credit claim line to see if you’re due a payment that can be as much as £3,300 a year.
“I’m not saying everyone will get it, but many will, and it only takes a few minutes to find out. So don’t stall, just call.
“And not only is this serious money, it’s also often a gateway entitlement that means you’re due a range of other support, such as council tax reductions, the £650 extra energy funding help, warm home discount, housing benefit, dental and optical treatments and, for the over-75s, a free TV licence.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, added: “Any older person on a low or modest income who is struggling with their bills or wants to find out more about extra income that might be available, can also contact Age UK for support to check their full entitlements and see if they’re one of the many who are missing out.
“People can call Age UK’s Advice Line on freephone 0800 169 65 65, contact their local Age UK office or visit www.ageuk.org.uk.”
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