National older people’s charity Independent Age and North Yorkshire Council are urging older people who are struggling financially to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit. As prices remain stubbornly high, the council has found that an estimated 6,000 qualifying North Yorkshire residents are missing out on an estimated average of £56.53 1 a week in unclaimed benefit.
Independent Age, a national charity that supports older people in financial hardship, says the support has never been more needed as polling by YouGov for Independent Age highlights how the cost-of-living crisis is still negatively impacting millions of older people. The polling showed that 45% of people aged 65 and over in England are cutting back on heating and 25% are reducing their food spending2.
As part of the campaign to increase the numbers of people receiving Pension Credit, Independent Age has linked with North Yorkshire Council to distribute 26,000 flyers to residents on the Household Support Fund mailing list. The flyers contain useful information about Pension Credit, including what benefits it provides and how to apply. Independent Age have also provided booklets which are being distributed via libraries, Citizens Advice, Fire and Rescue and other partner organisations These are free to order via Pension Credit | Advice guide | Independent Age.
Pension Credit is a form of financial support which ‘tops-up’ the income of people over State Pension age who fall below an income threshold. The estimated average additional weekly amount awarded in North Yorkshire was £56.53, or £2,939 a year, meaning a massive £17.6 million a year is going unclaimed in the council territory3.
Those eligible could also access additional benefits to help with soaring energy costs. The Warm Home Discount gives those on Pension Credit money off their electricity bills in the winter. Last year, this was £140 and this year it will be £150. Those receiving Pension Credit are also entitled to a Cold Weather Payment of £25 for each 7-day period the temperature is below 0 degrees.
Other entitlements for those on Pension Credit include a free TV licence for over 75s, Council Tax Reduction and free NHS dental treatment (full list of additional benefits below).
Fran McSweeny, Head of National Services at Independent Age, said:
“With the cost-of-living crisis still causing havoc with people’s finances, it’s vital that people of State Pension age check whether they are entitled to Pension Credit. The support you could be entitled to is sitting in a pot and going unclaimed.
“It only takes a few minutes on the phone to check whether you’re eligible and it can transform your life. Even if you’re only entitled to £1 extra a week, you can then unlock a range of benefits that could be worth up to £7,000 a year.
“We know from our research that some older people are making severe budgetary cuts just to survive. We’ve heard of people cutting out fresh fruit and veg from their shop, not seeing friends due to the expense of a cup of tea or going to bed early with hats and coats in winter as it’s so cold. Accessing Pension Credit can help with these everyday expenses.”
Peter*, 97, from Scarborough, was in receipt of State Pension and Attendance Allowance and was paying full rent and council tax:
“I didn’t know I was entitled to Pension Credit – I’m disabled and didn’t have Carer’s Allowance being claimed. I got an extra £79.03 a week plus a full council tax reduction of £20, and Local Housing Allowance which gave me another £86.30 towards my rent. It came through as a lump sum of over £2,000 and I am also £185 per week better off! I’m over the moon.”
Janet*, 76, from Harrogate, receives Guaranteed Pension Credit which gives her access to free dental care, vouchers for glasses, warm homes discount, cold weather payments, water support and other pots of money/discounts. This has been really helpful in managing her finances.
‘If you are worrying about money, you should apply – even if you receive a private pension and/or have savings you might still be eligible - it’s very straight forward. I’ve just found out that I can also get a free TV licence which gives me more money to spend on other things. I encourage everyone to contact DWP or Independent Age to find out what you might be eligible for.’
*Names changed
Pension Credit recipients can potentially receive these additional benefits:
- A free TV licence for over-75s, worth £159.00 per year (for colour tv).
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Voucher towards buying glasses/contact lenses - worth £39 - £215 (depending on the prescription).
- Reduction in Council Tax of up to 100%.
- Warm Home Discount, worth £140 and rising to £150 from October.
- Cold Weather Payment - worth £25 a week in particularly cold winter weeks.
- Home insulation and boiler grants (worth thousands for some).
- Housing Benefit entitlement (possibly even free rent - depending on eligibility).
- Eligibility for part of the government’s £650 Cost of Living payment this year for those on means tested benefits.
- Some companies offer additional reductions for those on Pension Credit, including:
- Reduced broadband and call charges.
- Reduced water bills.
Formore information on Pension Credit, visit https://www.independentage.org/get-advice/money/benefitspension-credit
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Notes to editor
References:
1. North Yorkshire Council data on Pension Credit
2. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1150 adults aged 65 and over in England. Fieldwork was done 27th of April – 3rd of May 2023
3. 56.53(average weekly amount of PC) x 52 (weeks) x 6000 (number of residents missing out) =17,637,360
For media enquiries please contact
Joshua Hack
T: 020 7605 4266
M: 07849 641286
E: joshua.hack@independentage.org
About Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity providing support for older people facing financial hardship. We offer free and impartial advice and information and grants for community organisations. We use the knowledge and understanding gained from our frontline services to highlight the issues experienced by older people who are facing financial insecurity and to campaign for change. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.
For more information, visit our website www.independentage.org.
Arrange to speak to one of our advisers for free and access confidential advice and information. Freephone 0800 319 6789 or email advice@independentage.org.
To make a donation or find out more about how you can support the work of Independent Age and help older people stay independent, please visit independentage.org/support-us.