Commenting on the introduction of the new State Pension from this Wednesday 6 April 2016, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said:
“In the long run, these reforms will give us a simpler system that should help reduce pensioner poverty. But as we enter a potentially confusing transition period, the state pension system remains complex and hard for older people to navigate. And we can’t forget the 1.6 million older people living in poverty right now who won’t benefit from these reforms.
“An estimated 1.4 million pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit that they’re entitled to, which just goes to show how confusing the system can be. It incredibly important that pensioners arm themselves with the knowledge they need to get the benefits to which they are entitled. Older people can use the Government’s Pension Wise website or free advice charities like Independent Age.”