State pensioners urged to check for DWP letter for | European Markets

State pensioners throughout the UK are being urged to examine for a letter from the Division for Work and Pensions (DWP) to say a £4,200 income increase.

The DWP is writing to round 11 million pensions over the approaching weeks urging them to use for Pension Credit score.

The benefit offers additional money to help pension-age households in England, Wales and Scotland on a low income cowl residing prices, and tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you happen to’re single, or up to £332.95 if in case you have a companion.

The federal government says the benefit alone is price £4,200 per yr, but it surely additionally acts as a gateway to a huge array of different financial help. This contains Council Tax reductions, Housing Profit, a free TV licence, a £150 low cost on heating prices by means of the Heat Residence Low cost Scheme, and help with NHS remedy prices.

Pension Credit score claimants are additionally entitled to a Winter Gasoline Cost which is price up to £300. Rule modifications enforced by Labour in 2024 meant that hundreds of thousands of pensioners who used to obtain the Winter Gasoline Cost now miss out, because the benefit is now means-tested and solely goes to these in receipt of Pension Credit score, or any of the next:

The change was made to make sure the cost goes to households that need it most, but it surely signifies that pensioners who’re solely simply above the affordability threshold now miss out.

The quantity of eligible households has now dropped from round 11 million to simply over a million, however those that declare Pension Credit score will nonetheless obtain it so it’s nicely price checking if you happen to qualify for the benefit.

The DWP is sending letters to 11 million households urging them to examine their eligibility and it will embody an accompanying leaflet encouraging people to signal up.

Pensions Minister Torsten Bell stated: “Over the coming weeks, as part of the annual State Pension uprating exercise, around 11 million pensioners will receive a leaflet promoting Pension Credit along with their State Pension uprating letter.”

The DWP says you can begin an utility up to 4 months earlier than you attain State Pension age – which is 66 for each women and men – and any time after, however your utility can solely be backdated by three months.

You may apply online by way of GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Credit score declare line on 0800 99 1234.