Claiming Pension Credit Could Get You £900 in Cost of Living Payments
Key Highlights :
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging state pensioners to claim what could amount to an extra £3,500 per year. As part of their 'week of action' on Pension Credit, the DWP is urging pensioners to claim £900 in cost of living payments.
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that can increase your weekly income to a minimum of £201.05 for single pensioners and up to £306.85 for couples. The DWP's week of action will take place from June 12 to 16, and last year saw the late Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman encouraging retirees to check their eligibility.
The first of the three Cost of Living Payments was sent on April 25, 2023, with £301 expected to arrive in bank accounts soon. This will be followed by £300 in the autumn and £299 in spring 2024. To be eligible for the first payment, you must have claimed Pension Credit for any day in the qualifying period between January 26, 2023 and February 25, 2023.
Even if you missed the first qualifying period, you may still be eligible for two of the three payments. You can begin your application to claim Pension Credit up to four months before you reach the State Pension Age (SPA), which is currently 66.
If you have already applied, you can use the online service here to begin claiming Pension Credit. Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit claim line by telephone on 0800 99 1234 and textphone on 0800 169 0133.
The DWP is keen to ensure that all pensioners are aware of the benefits they are entitled to, and the £900 in cost of living payments is just one of the many benefits available. It is important to remember that you must meet the eligibility criteria for Pension Credit in order to receive the payments, so it is worth checking your eligibility.
The DWP is also offering other benefits such as a maternity pay increase of £617 which will start from this week, and the £600 cost of living payment which is due in May 2023.
It is important to remember that the DWP benefits could be reduced as energy bill repayments freeze comes to an end, so it is worth keeping an eye on your bills and ensuring that you are not overpaying.
Finally, if you are on Universal Credit it is important to remember to report any changes to your circumstances as failure to do so could result in court action.
Overall, Pension Credit is a great way for pensioners to get extra money to help with the cost of living. If you are eligible for the benefit, it is worth claiming the £900 in cost of living payments to help you make ends meet.
