20 December 2004 - 'Get your Pension Credit call in for Christmas' - Wicks tells pensioners
Pensioners not yet receiving Pension Credit are today being urged to add a call to the Pension Credit applications line to their Christmas to-do list, by Pensions Minister, Malcolm Wicks.
Thanks to measures outlined in this year’s budget, we can now backdate successful Pension Credit applications for up to a maximum of 12 months if eligible. Average payouts to new applicants are around £1,000 and some customers have received over £3,000.
Pensions Minister Malcolm Wicks said:
“Pensioners across Great Britain could be receiving extra cash thanks to the Government’s commitment to boosting pensioner income. The average backdated Pension Credit payment can be £1,000.
“Since it started, Pension Credit has provided desperately needed cash to over 3 million pensioners across Great Britain, but there are still some pensioners not claiming.
“Many pensioners think they are not eligible for a variety reasons, but you can still get Pension Credit if you live with your family, receive financial support from them, receive housing benefit or own your own home.”
Mr Wicks also encouraged families and friends to make sure that relatives did not miss out.
He added:
“Pension Credit is making a huge difference to people up and down the country and if you know of someone who could be getting some extra cash tell them to give us a call on 0800 99 1234. They could also be entitled to a backdated award – which would be an ideal way to start the New Year!”
For those receiving a backdated payment, other benefits – such as Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit – will not be affected, however large the lump sum.
Pension Credit has been payable since 6th October 2003. To find out if you may be entitled ring the freephone Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234. There is a textphone service for those who have hearing difficulties on 0800 169 0133.
Notes for editors
- A Pension Credit calculator is also available on the Pension Service website where people can get an estimate of a possible award at: http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit/calculator/home.asp
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