Local MP, Dame Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed a new Conservative campaign to boost the take-up of Pension Credit across the Gosport Constituency as part of wider support with the cost of living.
Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, it is a passport to a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
There are already 1788 claimants of Pension Credit in the Gosport Constituency but we know around 25 per cent of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.
To help, the Conservative Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
Pensions Minister Guy Opperman has written to local newspapers across the country and the Department for Work and Pensions will send leaflets to 11 million pensioners. A high-profile media day will also take place on 15 June 2022.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Commenting, Caroline said:
“It is great news that a number of pensioners in Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head already claim Pension Credit, but it is important for everyone else in our area to claim all the help they are entitled to.”
“I don’t want to see local people missing out. That’s why I’m pleased the Conservative Government has launched this major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.”
Commenting, Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said:
“Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,300 on average.”
“The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.”
“That’s why I’m working hard to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”