Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, has urged local pensioners to check to see if they are entitled to Pension Credit, the most under-claimed benefit in the UK. Dr Luke has welcomed a campaign from the Government to boost the take up of Pension Credit in the constituency, giving more people the security of savings in later life and helping to ease the increasing cost of living in the meantime.
There are already over 1,800 claimants in the constituency of Bosworth, but more people are eligible. Dr Luke encourages anyone who thinks they or a loved one may be entitled to Pension Credit to check their eligibility for this additional support, which is worth an extra £3,300 on average per year. The scheme can also act as a ‘gateway’ benefit, meaning it opens up additional support measures the individual may be entitled to.
Pension Credit is a top up for the most vulnerable pensioners. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, the Pension Credit will help people in Bosworth access a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free TV licence for over-75s.
There are around 1,830 people in the Hinckley and Bosworth area who do claim Pension Credit, however estimates suggest that around 25 per cent of people who could claim the extra help. Nationally there are 850,000 people who could benefit from Pension Credit but have not yet applied.
To help, the government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
Pensions Minister Guy Opperman MP and the Department for Work and Pensions will write to 11 million pensioners, encouraging take up.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on the Gov.uk website or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Dr Luke Evans MP said: “I am glad to see that over 1,800 people in my constituency of Bosworth are already making the most of this support measure and claiming Pension Credit, but it is important for everyone else in our area to claim the help they are entitled to – especially as the cost of living increases. Many people simply don’t know they can claim it, so if you are reading this, do check, or check for parents and grandparents. It is so important that local people get the support they are entitled to!
“The Government’s campaign to encourage eligible pensioners to claim Pension Credit will ensure that people in our area can continue to prepare and save for later life, and provide further assistance as we chart these tough times.”
