The DWP Urges People to Claim Pension Credit and Receive £300 Cost of Living Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a two-week warning for the upcoming £300 cost of living.
There could be people living in Lincolnshire including in Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Skegness, and Lincoln who are missing out on the cost-of-living payment. The DWP are urging people not to miss out on the cost-of-living payment and claim it now.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a crucial two-week warning for individuals over the state pension age to apply for Pension Credit before December 10.
By doing so, they may also become eligible for a £300 cost of living payment. Pension Credit is a benefit designed to support older Brits with low incomes, providing a weekly top-up to help cover living costs.
Pension Credit is a government benefit aimed at older individuals in the UK who have a low income. If eligible, this benefit ensures that your weekly income is increased to £201.05 if you are single or £306.85 if you are in a couple.
Depending on individual responsibilities and costs, you may be entitled to even more financial support.
To claim Pension Credit, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. The main requirements include:
Age
: Being of state pension age or older.
Residency
: Residing in England, Scotland, or Wales.
Income
: Having a weekly income below the set threshold.
Additional Benefits and Support
Claiming Pension Credit not only provides financial assistance but also grants access to various other benefits and support, including:
Council Tax discounts
: Reduces the amount of council tax you need to pay.
Housing Benefit
: Assists with housing costs.
Free TV licence
: Available for individuals over the age of 75.
Warm Home Discount
: Provides a yearly discount of £150 on energy bills.
Cold Weather Payments
: Offers a £25 payment during colder months.
Free dental treatment
: Ensures access to dental care.
Vouchers for glasses or contact lenses
: Helps cover the cost of vision correction.
The DWP has introduced a £300 cost of living payment as an additional benefit for individuals who make a claim for Pension Credit before December 10.
This payment aims to further support those in need, providing financial relief during challenging times.
Applying for Pension Credit now, or before the deadline, can result in your application being backdated by three months. This means that if you are accepted, you will receive three months’ worth of payments. Moreover, this backdating also ensures that you are eligible for the cost-of-living payment.
Claiming Pension Credit
Claiming Pension Credit is a straightforward process. There are several methods available for submitting an application:
Online Application
: Visit the
Gov.uk website
to apply online.
Phone Application
: Call 0800 99 1234 to apply over the phone.
Paper Application
: Print out and complete a paper application form, which can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Assisted Application
: If necessary, a friend or family member can call on your behalf, but you must be present during the call.
Required Information for the Application
Before applying for Pension Credit, ensure you have the following information available:
National Insurance number
: Your unique identification number.
Income, savings, and investments
: Details about your financial situation.
Income, savings, and investments at the desired backdated application date
: Information about your financial status three months ago or at the date you reached state pension age.
Bank account details
: Details of your bank, building society, or credit union account.
It is estimated that approximately 880,000 people in the UK are eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it. The DWP’s social media post serves as a reminder to act promptly and seize the opportunity to receive financial support.
“Pension Credit tops up pension income and can help with day-to-day living costs. Apply by 10 Dec and, if eligible, you could also get an extra £300 Cost Of Living Payment. Don’t miss out.” – The Department for Work and Pensions
The deadline for claiming Pension Credit and becoming eligible for the £300 cost of living payment is fast approaching. Therefore, it is essential to take action and apply as soon as possible to ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.