DWP urges thousands of Brits to check if they can get £4,300 | Personal Finance | Finance

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging thousands of older Brits to check their eligibility for Pension Credit. Recent figures from the DWP reveal that 910,000 families are not claiming Pension Credit, despite being entitled to it.

On average, Pension Credit is worth around £4,300 per year. Pension Credit boosts your weekly income and also grants access to other financial benefits, such as a free TV licence for those aged over 75.

The main element of Pension Credit is known as Guarantee Credit, which tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single, or £346.60 if you’re in a couple. Generally, your income needs to be below these levels to qualify, but you might still be eligible to claim if your income is higher and you have a severe disability, you’re a carer, or you have housing costs, according to the Mirror.

You could be entitled to extra Pension Credit amounts if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. You can apply for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach state pension age.

The Government has recently launched a new campaign with Age UK to encourage more people to verify their Pension Credit eligibility, which includes sending letters to 2,000 pensioners across England.

These pensioners were identified as being the most likely to qualify for Pension Credit but are not currently receiving the benefit. You can apply for Pension Credit on the GOV.UK website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by filling out a paper application form.

Pension Credit is available if you are over the state pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales. The state pension age is currently 66 for both men and women. The Minister for Pensions, Torsten Bell, said: “We’re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can.

“Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence. I’d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply.

“This country’s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to.”