Pension Credit Awareness Week of Action

This week is the Department for Work & Pensions Pension Credit Week of Action, which is all about raising awareness of Pension Credit and encouraging people to check their eligibility and make a claim.

Families, friends and neighbours are also being encouraged to reach out to those pensioners not claiming Pension Credit and encourage them to apply

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit could also qualify eligible applicants other support including Winter Fuel Payment, housing costs, help with Council Tax and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months - so long as there is entitlement during that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024.

It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are still missing out on Pension Credit, and it is worth, on average £3,900 per year. Too many people are missing out.

It is easy to claim. People just need to make one simple, free phone call (0800 99 1234), claim online or fill out a paper claim form, details of which can all be found on GOV.UK.