• Henry Smith MP has welcomed a new campaign from the Government to boost the take up of Pension Credit, giving more vulnerable pensioners across Crawley the support they need.
• There are already around 1,703 claimants in Crawley, but more people are eligible for an average of £3,500 a year in extra support and eligible pensioners could also receive a backdated £324 Cost of Living Payment if they apply by 18th December.
• Nationwide, the Government has driven up Pension Credit claims and now wants to reach all those people who could still benefit but have not yet applied.

Henry Smith MP has welcomed a new campaign from the Government to boost the take-up of Pension Credit as part of wider support with the cost of living.

The Government is calling on pensioners across the country to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit as soon as possible to ensure they stand the best chance of qualifying for an extra £324 cost of living payment.

There are already 1,703 claimants of Pension Credit in Crawley but around a quarter of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.

Henry said;

“Some 1,700 pensioners in Crawley already claim Pension Credit, but there are many more who could be doing so, which is why I want to encourage everyone who thinks they may be eligible to look into claiming it.

“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. If those eligible apply by 18th December, they could receive a backdated Cost of Living Payment worth £324.

“This will make a huge difference to vulnerable people across Crawley so I urge everyone to look into whether they or their loved ones are eligible.”

Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,500. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, this can help pensioners access other support such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

Checking eligibility and applying by 18th December will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.

Pension Credit can be claimed online or over the phone. Information is available on GOV.UK: www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on: 0800 99 1234.

The Minister for Pensions, Laura Trott, commented;

“The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit.

“Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it.”