Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has welcomed a new government campaign to boost the take up of Pension Credit on the Isle of Wight, as part of wider support with the cost of living.
Pension Credit is a top-up for the most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top-up to the State Pension, it is a passport to a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
There are already around 4279 claimants on the Island, but more people are eligible for an average of £3,300 a year in extra support.
To help, 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.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Commenting on the campaign, Mr Seely said: “Some 4279 pensioners on the Island already claim Pension Credit, but there are others who could be claiming.
“This is an important campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to receive the help they are entitled to.
“I want all pensioners to be aware of the help they could be receiving.”
Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said: “Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,300 on average.
“The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.
“That’s why I’ve written to local newspapers across the country, produced leaflets for 11 million pensioners and will be holding a Media Day in June to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”
