STRUGGLING households could be missing out on thousands of pounds a year in extra benefits.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said over 1.4million Brits are receiving Pension Credit, but many are missing out still.
Pension credit gives you extra cash if you're of state pension age and on a low income.
It boosts the weekly income of the poorest pensioners up to £182.60 for a single person and £278.70 for couples.
It's meant to boost low-income retirees especially as the cost of living continues to rise.
Some cash-tight households are eligible for the help and could be missing over £3,300 a year.
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According to the government's own figures, around £1.7billion in Pension Credit has gone unclaimed.
Not only is it advisable to claim Pension Credit for the extra money but it also acts a gateway to get other help, including NHS costs such as glasses.
Those over the age of 75 can also qualify for a free TV license.
Plus, if you get pension credit, you can also get help with other costs such as your rent (in the form of housing benefit), council tax and heating.
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How do I claim Pension Credit?
You can use the government's Pension Credit calculator to see if you are eligible for Pension Credit and assess how much you might get.
You will need to have details of your income to hand. This includes any earnings, benefits or pensions – both state and personal/workplace. If you have a partner, then you will also need their details.
Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can start applying for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age.
Age. You can also claim after State Pension Age, but any income will only be backdated by three months.
You will need your national insurance number as well as any details about income, savings and investments you have. You will also need your bank account details.
You can also apply online or by post Pension Credit: How to claim
What other help can pensioners get?
Those on Pension Credit should be eligible for the £650 cost of living payment that started going out yesterday.
Do note that payments won't all go out at the same time, so yours could be a couple of weeks late if it hasn't arrived in your account yet.
On top of that, all pensioners should get an extra £300 payment in November or December to help pay for bills and essentials.
Pensioners are also eligible for a cold weather payment starting from November.
As temperatures drop, bills can rise, so if it hits zero degrees Celsius or below for at least seven days, some households are eligible for a £25 payment to help with essential costs.
The cold weather payment scheme is only open between November 1 and March 31 each year to cover the winter months.
You have to meet some requirements to get this support, such as being in receipt of:
- Pension credit
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Universal Credit
- Support for mortgage interest
You will be able to check whether your area is due a payment by using the government's online tool.
There are also always energy grants and schemes open to help you out if you're struggling, like the British Gas hardship fund which can lend you up to £1,500 free cash towards bills.
There's also a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment metre.
Contact your supplier directly to see what they offer, what the eligibility requirements are, and how much you can get.
If you don't know who your supplier is, you can find out here.
In terms of council funds, the Household Support Fund helps families with the rising cost of living, has been extended.
This help could include cash grants to pay bills or cover food costs – the help will depend on where you live.
For example, residents in Blackpool can get as much as £300, depending on their circumstances.
To find out what support is available in your area, contact your local council.
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Meanwhile, anyone over 50 can grab free pension advice – find out if you are eligible.
Plus, a pensions expert explains why millions may have £13,000 sitting in a lost retirement cash pot.
Cost of living payments: what you need to know
- All the key dates for cost of living payments revealed
- Every household will get a £400 cost of living payment to help with energy bills
- See the full list of benefits eligible for £650 cost of living cash
- Here's free cash you can get if you DON’T qualify for the £650 cost of living payment
- Millions of pensioners will get a £300 cost of living payment this winter
- Disabled Brits will get £150 this September
- Parents can get up to £200 towards school uniform costs
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