The UK government’s recent Pension Credit publicity take-up campaign is to be welcomed by all those committed to tacking poverty in old age. About 1,500 Newcastle pensioners could be missing on vital financial support in the form of Pension Credit as the cost-of-living crisis continues.
The tax-free payment, which for single pensioners tops up a weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218, or £332 for couples. The benefit is also a vital gateway for claimants to be entitled to other help such as council tax relief, support for dental costs, housing benefit, free TV licences for the over-75s, the £25 weekly winter fuel payment when the weather is freezing, automatic help with electricity bills and crucially the £300 Winter Fuel Allowance.
Those who have caring duties, or a disability, may be entitled to a higher guaranteed income: the severe disability addition is £81.50, while the carers premium is £45.60. As Age UK notes someone qualifying for the first of those will be ensured an income of at least £299.65 a week.
Missing out
Across Newcastle, 7594 claim Pension Credit with 74.097 successfully claiming it across the North East. Yet three out of ten pensioners both in our city and across the region haven’t claimed. Nationally a staggering 880.000 eligible pensioners don’t claim due to lack of knowledge, stigma or a feeling, often wrong, that they are not entitled. Older people in their nineties, some with memories of the ‘nash’ (national assistance), are either unaware of the benefit or are to proud to claim.
Many people of state pension age, many of whom are women, are simply missing out on these top-up payments and could be losing out up to £56 a week.
It’s important more apply for Pension Credit which could make an important difference in helping older people meet their essential needs and avoiding falling into poverty.
Older residents, their families and carers can check if they are eligible by using the online calculator provided by the DWP to fill in their details an find out how much they can claim.
City residents can get practical help with form-filling by visiting Newcastle Citizens Advice at Newcastle’s central library or The Haven, Halewood Ave every Tuesday morning. Or they can call the council’s Welfare Rights public advice line on 277 2627.
In my Kenton Ward, local residents can visit our face-to-face welfare rights sessions at Kenton Centre every Thursday -9,30 to 1,00. No appointment required.
Stephen Lambert is a Newcastle City Councillor who represents the Kenton Ward
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