ELDERLY people in Coventry and Warwickshire living on low incomes have until this Sunday (December 18) to put a claim in for Pension Credit so they can qualify for a £324 lump sum as part of the Government’s cost-of-living payment.
As part of its original energy support package, the government payment will be given to those who have been entitled to pension credit between August 26 and September 25.
The application for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months, meaning those who begin the claiming process by December 18 and are successful can meet the eligibility criteria for the extra cash.
Pension Credit tops up a single pensioner’s weekly income to £182.60 or a couple to £278.70.
Those claiming Pension Credit can claim support including extra help with energy bills, help with council tax and rent, free NHS dental treatment and cheaper phone and home broadband deals.
Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire’s chief executive, Michael Garrett, said: “Our advice team enable older people to claim almost £1 million in benefits each year.
“Gaining access to this cost-of-living lump sum will make a real difference this winter.”
Visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or call 0800 99 1234 to make a claim.
