Martin Lewis is encouraging nearly one million people over State Pension age to check if they qualify for a ‘gateway’ benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which is worth around £3,300 on average each year.The DWP estimates around 850,000 households across the UK are missing out on vital support through Pension Credit at a time when the cost of living crisis is hitting people on low or fixed incomes particularly hard.The financial guru is keen for people to spread the word about the DWP’s second annual Pension Credit ‘day of action’ on June 15, which is part of an awareness-raising drive to increase take-up of the benefit.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com explained: “Today is the snappily named Pension Credit Day of Action. It's not often I agree to team up with the [UK] Government on a campaign, but I was happy to offer assistance for this one, as it's a national tragedy that getting on for a million pensioners, many of whom have been paying into the system for years, are missing out on a major income boost.” The consumer champion even has a quick check everyone can do to see if they should contact the DWP and make a claim.He said: “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.”Martin added: “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,
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