Pension Credit was introduced by the previous Labour Government to help lift and keep people aged 65 or over out of poverty. It comes in two parts. Guarantee Credit which tops up your weekly income if it’s below £167.25 for a single person or £255.25 for couples. Savings credit is an extra payment for people who have saved some money towards their retirement. I’m always keen to see that people get the help they need if and when they need it. So I was shocked to learn in the charity Independent Age’s recent report “Credit Where It’s Due” that a staggering two in five pensioners across the country who qualify for it don’t get it. Bearing in mind that today more than 2 million people aged 65 or over are living in poverty that’s a big number. In fact, Independent Age calculate that 2,248 older people in our area are missing out and they’re missing out by a massive £4,898,000 every year. I’m backing the Independent Age campaign and over the summer trying to raise the issue with as many constituents as possible. I realise you may not be old enough to qualify yourself but you may know someone, family, a friend or neighbour who might. Applicants can use the Pension Credit Calculator online at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator or to claim ring 0800 991234.
Or anyone who thinks they are missing out should ring the Independent Age helpline on 0800 3196789.