Low-income pensioners urged to claim pension credit

Pensioners on low incomes have been encouraged to claim all the help they’re eligible to receive.

According to pensions minister Torsten Bell, some low-income retirees aren’t claiming pension credit even though they’re entitled to it.

He’s now urging people who might be eligible to use the government’s Pension Credit calculator to find out what they could get and make a claim.

“The government wants those eligible for pension credit but not currently claiming it to receive the benefits they are entitled to,” Mr Bell said.

“We know there are low-income pensioners who are not claiming pension credit and we urge those people to apply. “

How do I claim pension credit?

You can make a claim for pension credit on the government website.

Mr Bell pointed out that this service is available to use around the clock.

This, he said, means those who “may struggle to make their claim alone” can have the support of a friend or family member at a time that’s convenient to them.

The minister also noted that pension credit claims can also be made through the freephone telephone number - 0800 99 1234 - or with a paper application form.

Mr Bell added that if a person can’t complete forms themselves, a home visit from a visiting officer can be arranged. 

More information on how to apply for pension credit can be found here.

Don’t miss out 

If you’re not sure if you qualify for pension credit, give us a ring and we’ll check for you. 

We can also help you find out if you're receiving all the benefits you're entitled to, or you can use our free benefits calculator to see if you might be eligible for additional support. 

If you get pension credit, you might also be entitled to other help like:

• housing benefit if you rent your home
• interest payments if you own your own home
• a free TV licence if you’re over 75
• help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
• help to heat your home
• a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you move house

So it’s well worth checking what support you could get.