Time running out to claim Pension Credit and cost of living payment
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THE clock is ticking for pensioners to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit and the £324 cost of living payment.
Checking eligibility and applying by December 18 will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.
Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months as long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.
The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3500 a year and even a small award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits – such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills – in addition to the extra cost of living payments.
Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: “The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit.
“Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it.”
Pension Credit is designed to help people over state pension age and on a low income with daily living costs, though you do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to receive it.
It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £182.60 per week for single pensioners and to £278.70 for couples.
Currently, more than 125,000 pensioners in Scotland receive Pension Credit. However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help.
UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: “More than 125,000 pensioners in Scotland already benefit from Pension Credit – and will be able to access the extra £324 Cost of Living payment as a result.
"However, we know that more people in Scotland may be eligible for this additional UK Government support, but are not currently claiming it. If you think you, or anyone in your family may be eligible I would urge you to check now – it’s quick and easy to do so and might mean you can access even more help.”
Claims can be made online and over the phone (0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm), with the Pension Credit calculator on hand to help pensioners see if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. Claim forms can also be printed off and completed.
