URGENT UPDATE: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has just launched a vital campaign aimed at increasing financial support for over-65s, potentially adding up to £4,300 to the annual income of thousands of pensioners across England. This initiative targets approximately 2,000 pensioners identified as eligible for Pension Credit but currently not claiming the benefit.
New analysis reveals that many eligible pensioners are missing out on financial support, particularly in areas like the South West, where only 55% of those entitled are claiming their due benefits. In stark contrast, the North East boasts the highest uptake rate at 71%, followed closely by London at 69%.
The DWP’s targeted letters will be dispatched to thousands, urging them to claim Pension Credit, which averages around £83 per week. This campaign is a collaboration with Age UK and Independent Age and aims to rectify the disparities in benefit uptake across different regions.
Morgan Vine, director of policy and influencing at Independent Age, emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating,
“If you’re in financial hardship, where you live shouldn’t be a factor in whether or not you receive the money you’re entitled to, but at the moment, it is. With the continued high cost of living, the older people that we speak to cannot afford to miss out on any of the money they are eligible for.”
This campaign is a follow-up to a successful trial from 2023 to 2024, which saw an additional 56,700 households awarded Pension Credit. If this new outreach proves effective, the DWP has indicated that more initiatives could be introduced to further assist those in need.
The regions with the lowest uptake rates have been outlined as follows:
– South West: 55%
– South East: 56%
– East of England: 58%
– East Midlands: 61%
Overall, the breakdown by country indicates:
– England: 63%
– Wales: 64%
– Scotland: 67%
Pensioners who believe they qualify for Pension Credit are encouraged to check their eligibility and begin their application process online or by calling 0800 99 1234.
This campaign represents a crucial opportunity for many pensioners to access financial support that can significantly alleviate the pressures of living costs. As the DWP continues its efforts, all eyes are on how many more households will benefit from this initiative.
