Thousands of Oldham residents missing out on pension credit

The payment is for those with an income of less than £218.15 a week or less than £332.95 a week if in a couple.

Some residents are entitled to even more depending on their current circumstances, including people who are carers, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

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Now, worrying statistics show thousands of Oldham pensioners are missing out on their pension credit and are being urged to claim what they're owed.

Oldham Council has said more than 3,288 pensioners living in the borough currently miss out on their weekly income being topped up, leading to a shocking £7.9m being left unclaimed every year.

With no restrictions on how the extra income can be spent, pension credit can help pensioners with their bills and also open up a range of other benefits too, such as support with NHS dental care and assistance with heating costs.

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People can receive pension credit even if they have other income, savings, or own their own home, which are often some of the misconceptions which prevent people from claiming what they are entitled to.

Cllr Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Sustainability, said: “In Oldham, thousands of pensioners are missing out on thousands of pounds every year – financial support that is rightfully in place to provide them with additional help towards their living costs.

“I understand some people may be too proud to take this, but as we’ve seen over the last few years, you never know what is next around that corner so it’s always useful to have this extra money handy for a rainy day if you don't need it right now.

Cllr Jabbar is urging pensioners to apply for pension credit (Image: Oldham Council)

“So I desperately urge anyone who has reached the State Pension age, to check out the government’s website and apply.

"This money is here for a reason, to support you, so please take this up if you can as there are various ways you can apply."

To check if you are eligible or to apply for pension credit, residents can visit the government’s website www.gov.uk/pension-credit.

Those needing additional support to do this can also contact Oldham Council's helpline on 0161 770 7007.

Residents can also visit the council’s new Customer Services Centre in Spindles, opposite Rhode Island Coffee, with staff on hand to assist people between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.