Up to 850,000 pensioner households may be entitled to Pension Credit, but do not claim it. Please promote this and encourage people to check your entitlement now.
Pension Credit Awareness Week is 9 to 15 September 2024
Some people think that because they’ve got savings or own their home they would not get any Pension Credit but that’s not the case. Speaking to people about this is not always easy, but they may be more open to listening to people they trust. This might include:
- health visitors, home help
- day care centre staff
- welfare advisers
- their General Practitioner (GP) and staff at the surgery
- the local pharmacist who prepares their prescriptions
- people at the Post Office where they collect their pension
- local councils
- friends and family
Ways to Share
- Make family and friends aware.
- Make service users aware.
- Help people use the online or phone services.
- Share the information to staff via email.
- Share the information on social media.
- Utilise the posters and leaflets, details below.
The following information is available in the following comms pack created by Leeds Older People’s Forum and Age Friendly Leeds.
Download: Communications Pack to promote pension credit and winter fuel payments (word document)
Winter Fuel Payments are now linked to Pension Credit – check your entitlement now.
If you receive a state pension, you could be eligible to increase your weekly income by claiming Pension Credit.
Leeds average pension credit weekly award is £71.21 (Feb 2024), with the exact amount depending on the money you already have.
You might be entitled to pension credit, even if you have savings, a private pension or own your home.
Claiming Pension Credit could also mean you can get extra help with the following;
- Help with your Dental Costs
- Help with your Council Tax Bill
- Help with your Rent
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Help with your TV Licence if you are over 75
You can make a claim online, by phone or you can also request a paper claim form: https://apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start
Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234
If you would like more information, need help claiming, or would just like to talk to someone about claiming Pension Credit, you can contact any of the services below. These services are all completely free, impartial, and confidential.
- Welfare Rights at Leeds City Council
0113 3760452
[email protected] - Age UK Leeds
0113 389 3000
[email protected]
Details of other organisations that can help with Pension Credit can be found on Leeds Money Information Centre.
You can also visit Leeds City Council Community Hubs and Libraries to find out more.
It is important to make your claim as soon as possible, as it can only be backdated three months from the date the claim is made.
Promotion
Suggested X / Tweets / Facebook posts
- Pensions Credit is an additional benefit for people on state pension to bring their income up to a minimum amount. Do you have a friend or relative who may be entitled to Pension Credit? Check their eligibility at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
- Pension credit is an entitlement for people who have a low weekly income. If you’re struggling to get by every week check it out. You could be entitled, and it could make life better for you and your family. Apply now on 0800 99 1234 or https://apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start
- Pension credit gives access to other benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments, help with housing costs and council tax. Check your entitlement now. Every bit helps. Ring 0800 99 1234 to apply today. Or visit https://apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start
- Be prepared for this winter. Check your entitlement to Pension Credit and consider any home improvements you could make. Contact Home Plus on 0113 2406009 or [email protected] for help and advice.
- Winter can be hard for many people, Pension Credit provides additional income and access to other benefits. Check your eligibility https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
Leaflets and Posters
If you want any leaflets about pension credit or posters to display in your community building, contact [email protected]. Jo will put in a bulk order.
DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) have lots of videos and resources that you can share and like on Facebook, X and WhatsApp. Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit/pension-credit-toolkit-advice-and-guidance-for-stakeholders.
Video explaining the Pension Credit Calculator
