Pensions - Articles - Government drive to boost pension credit take up

 Steven Cameron, Pensions Director at Aegon said: “Unfortunately, far too many of our poorest pensioners have repeatedly slipped through the pensions credit net by not submitting a claim. The current cost of living crisis, which is affecting millions of pensioners, makes it even more inexcusable that we allow eligible claimants to go without. There’s even more to be gained from claiming right now as those receiving pension credit are also eligible for cost of living top-up payments, the next instalment being worth £301 – and they can also be a gateway to other benefits, such as free TV licences.

 With claims to qualify for the top-up needing to be in by 19th May, it’s great to see Pensions Minister Laura Trott focussing minds ahead of this deadline. While it’s important to remind pensioners themselves, it’s also essential to get the message through to their families. If you have an elderly parent or grandparent who you think might qualify, a little encouragement and support from you in putting in a claim could make all the difference. And with average pension credit amounts of £3500 a year, it could make a real difference to your elderly loved ones currently struggling to get by.”