DWP issues 'deadline' warning as thousands missing out on £3,900 help each year

01 December 2023 , 13:30

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The DWP says Pension credit is worth up to £3,900 a year (Image: Getty Images)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging pensioners to check if they can claim Pension Credit before the upcoming deadline.

Pension Credit is a benefit for low income pensioners and it tops up your weekly income to £201.05, or to £306.85 if you’re in a couple. But as well as giving you extra cash, the benefit acts as a "gateway" to other support, including help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.

The DWP says the average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 per year. Alongside this, if pensioners put in a successful claim for Pension Credit before December 10, then they will also get the £300 cost of living payment too. This is because successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months, as long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.

The benefits and pension department has launched a campaign with former England football manager Harry Redknapp to urge older Brits to make a claim. A video from the DWP shows journalists chatting with Redknapp through his car window about the exciting upcoming "signing" in a homage to the ex-England football manager's iconic Transfer Deadline Day interviews.

In the video, Harry Redknapp said: "It’s always an exciting time of the season – I would just say to anyone, check in with your mum, dad, nan, or grandad. This could be a brilliant signing."

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There are currently 1.4million pensioners in the UK claiming the benefit however there are nearly 900,000 people who are eligible but not claiming.

Minister for pensions Paul Maynard said: "We want every pensioner to receive all they help they can and with time ticking down to deadline day and the window drawing to a close, now’s the perfect time to check out our Pension Credit calculator and make sure you or your loved ones aren’t missing out on this vital support. In many cases, it’s an open goal to more money in your pocket."

You can apply for Pension Credit online on the Gov.uk website here, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can also get a friend or family member to call for you, but you will need to be with them when they do.

You will also need the following information on you before applying:

• Your National Insurance number
• Information about any income, savings and investments you have
• Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
• Your bank, building society or credit union account details

Ruby Flanagan