James Wild MP is supporting a new campaign from the Government to boost the take up of Pension Credit, giving more vulnerable pensioners across North West Norfolk the support they need.
- There are already around 2545 claimants in North West Norfolk, but more people are eligible for an average of £3,500 a year in extra support and eligible pensioners could also a receive a backdated £324 Cost of Living Payment if they apply by 18 December.
- Nationwide, the Government has driven up Pension Credit claims and now wants to reach all those people who could still benefit but have not yet applied.
James Wild MP has welcomed a new campaign from the Conservative Government to boost the take-up of Pension Credit as part of wider support with the cost of living.
He joined the Pensions Minister, Laura Trott MP, in the House of Commons to call on pensioners to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit as soon as possible to ensure they stand the best chance of qualifying for an extra £324 cost of living payment.
There are already 2545 claimants of Pension Credit in North West Norfolk but around a quarter of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.
Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,500. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, this can help pensioners access other support such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
Checking eligibility and applying by 18 December – just ten days away – will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.
Pension Credit can be claimed online or over the phone. 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, James said:
“Over 2,500 pensioners in North West Norfolk claim Pension Credit and getting an average of £3,500 support but many more could benefit. That’s why I encourage everyone who thinks they may be eligible to look into claiming it – if those eligible apply by 18 December they could receive a backdated Cost of Living Payment worth £324. This will make a big difference to vulnerable people so I urge everyone to look into whether they or their loved ones are eligible.”
