DWP urges older people with weekly income of less than £182 to claim £3,300 annual boost

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Pensions Minister Laura Trott MP has said that it is “vital” that anyone of State Pension age receiving less than £182.60 per week should check their eligibility for Pension Credit and submit a claim before December 18, 2022.

Applications received by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by that date, which later turn out to be successful, will also qualify for the second cost of living payment, worth £324.Ms Trott told the House of Commons on Monday: “It is vital that any pensioners receiving less than £182.60 a week look into whether they are eligible for Pension Credit, and if they are, they should try to claim it before 18 December, because the cost of living payment of £324 can be backdated.”Consumer champion Martin Lewis is also encouraging older people to check if they qualify for the annual income boost worth on average over £3,300, which not only provides extra financial support but can act as a gateway to other help such as help with housing costs and a Council Tax Reduction.Age UK is urging all older people who are struggling on a low income and who are not already getting Pension Credit to put in a claim without delay to avoid missing out.Despite considerable financial benefits, the charity said a third (34%) of pensioners eligible to claim Pension Credit are still missing out.The latest DWP figures indicate £1.7 billion is being left unclaimed by around 770,000 older people across the UK who are missing out on this crucial income boost.

The benefit helps top-up a person’s income to a minimum of £182.60 per week for single pensioners and £278.70 for couples.Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Although it’s good news that the State Pension and benefits will rise in line with inflation