UKNIP247 
Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, has issued an urgent warning to pensioners who could be missing out on up to £3,900 worth of financial support that they are entitled to. Lewis is urging any pensioners with an income of £235 or less per week to check their eligibility for Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is a government benefit designed to help people over State Pension age who are on a low income with their daily living costs. Importantly, you do not need to be receiving the State Pension to qualify for this support.
In his latest Money Saving Expert newsletter, Martin Lewis highlighted the importance of checking eligibility, stating, “If you’re age 66+ with income under £235/wk, DON’T STALL, JUST CALL.” He advised pensioners to visit the government’s website or call the Pension Credit helpline to find out if they qualify.
Lewis explained, “If your income is under £218 a week (£333 for a couple), you are very LIKELY to get Pension Credit, as this is the level of the full state pension it is meant to top up. If your income is £218 to £235 a week (£333 to £350 for a couple), there’s a chance you’ll get it, and generally it’s higher if you claim certain disability benefits or have caring responsibilities.”
Pension Credit is more than just a financial top-up; it also serves as a gateway to additional entitlements. Pensioners who qualify could also benefit from council tax reductions, free TV licences (if aged over 75), dental and optical support, and more.
Martin Lewis has previously partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to raise awareness of Pension Credit. He has expressed concern that up to a million low-income pensioners who have contributed to the system for years are not claiming this crucial financial support.
“It’s a tragedy that so many low-income pensioners are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top-up,” Lewis said. “Even those only due a small amount should still claim, as Pension Credit opens the door to many other entitlements.”
Pension Credit tops up a pensioner’s income to a minimum of £218.15 per week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples. Additionally, pensioners claiming certain disability benefits could receive an extra £81 per week.
Currently, around 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit, but many more are eligible and not claiming it. Other benefits available to those on Pension Credit include assistance with housing and council tax costs, as well as extra help with heating bills.
Pensioners who believe they may be eligible for Pension Credit are encouraged to check their eligibility online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the helpline at 0800 99 1234 (or 0808 100 6165 in Northern Ireland).
