20 February 2008 – Use pester power to bust pensioner claim worries

“Use your extra day this leap year to make a difference to an older friend or relative who may be finding it hard to make ends meet”

PensionsMinister Mike O’Brien said today.

Friends and family can be the catalyst that gets the extra pension cash flowing to those who need it most. Many pensioners who currently get Pension Credit say that help from a third party or family member prompted them to apply.

Research by Age Concern has shown that more than a third of us are worried that an older friend or relative is missing out on vital money benefits^{[Footnote 1]}. One phone call could put these worries to bed.

Mike O’Brien added:

“Many older people wrongly think Pension Credit is not meant for them and so miss out on useful extra cash as well as help with heating, housing or council tax costs. That is where friends and family come in. We need to harness friendly pester power to bust their worries about claiming.

“So use our online calculator to work out if they qualify. Reassure them that owning a home or having some savings is allowed. Encourage them to call us free on 0800 99 1234. If English is a problem, our staff and an interpreter can call them back. Successful claims before October could result in up to 12 months backdated cash.”

The Department for Work and Pensions will also be writing out to pensioners believed to be eligible for Pension Credit encouraging them to claim.

Age Concern, Citizens Advice and Help the Aged are lending their support to the renewed take-up campaign.

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said:

“Millions of pensioners are missing out on their rightful share of the billions of pounds in benefits lying unclaimed, with many simply unaware they are entitled to extra cash. Age Concerns across the country help thousands of older people each year to claim Pension Credit and other benefits, which could dramatically improve their quality of life.

“We know that it is very often family and friends who encourage older people to find out about benefits. We would encourage people to use this leap year to leap into action and talk to their older loved ones about putting in a claim. For a free guide on financial help in retirement, people can call our free-phone information line on 0800 00 99 66.”

Media enquiries: Vicky Hatchett 0203 267 5121 or Kathy Barlow 0203 267 5128
Press office: 020 33 267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

1. Photos of Mike O’Brien meeting pensioners at Southwark Age Concern available.
2. The online Pension Credit calculator is available at: http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit/calculator
3. Pension Credit guarantees single pensioners an income of £119.05 per week and couples an income of £181.70. People with savings may also be eligible for help.
4. Pension Credit can be claimed over the phone on 0800 99 1234. People may also be able to claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit in the same free phone call. For more information go to www.pensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit