The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people to claim cash they could be missing out on, and it works out at around £3,500 a year on average.
In a tweet on Tuesday, the government department urged people to check their entitlement for Pension Credit. It comes after Age UK estimated in December that around a third (34%) of pensioners eligible to claim Pension Credit are still missing out.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 a week for single pensioners or £278.70 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who have reached State Pension age and live in the UK.
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"Income" includes:
- State Pension
- other pensions
- earnings from employment and self-employment
- most social security benefits, for example Carer’s Allowance
People may still be eligible for Pension Credit if they have not paid National Insurance contributions, have some savings or a small pension, live with their grown-up family, and/or own their own home.
DWP has previously said there are common misconceptions that may be putting people off applying for Pension Credit. Gov.uk clarifies that people of State Pension age may be entitled to Pension Credit even though they may have modest savings, or a retirement income or own their own home.
It adds: "An award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence".
To find out more about Pension Credit eligibility, or to apply, click here or call 0800 991 234.
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