Pensioners urged to check eligibility for £299 cost-of-living payment
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Hundreds of thousands of pensioners have been urged to check if they are eligible for a sizeable cost-of-living payment that ends next month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said about 880,000 eligible UK households can secure an extra £299 if they claim pension credit by March 5.
Pension Credit averages more than £3,900 a year and aims to help low-income individuals who have reached state pension age with their day-to-day expenses.
It guarantees a minimum weekly income of £201.05 for single pensioners and £306.85 for couples, while additional help is available for those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.
Not only could this secure an extra £3,900 every year and unlock a whole host of other support, if successfully claimed by 5 March a further £299 Cost of Living boost is up for grabs
About 1.4 million pensioners already receive pension credit in the UK.
The state pension is due to rise by 8.5% in April, when the new full state pension will be worth £221.20 weekly.
The DWP previously sent 2,000 people letters inviting them to apply for pension credit as part of a trial last July.
Minister for Pensions, Paul Maynard, said: “We are committed to ensuring every pensioner receives the financial support available to them.
“Anyone who is unsure whether they or a loved one is entitled to pension credit should quickly check using our online pension credit calculator – it’s never been easier.
“Not only could this secure an extra £3,900 every year and unlock a whole host of other support, if successfully claimed by 5 March a further £299 Cost of Living boost is up for grabs.”
You can claim for pension credit by visiting https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or by calling 0800 99 1234.
