About 3,000 pensioners across the city could be ”missing out” on vital financial support in the form of Pension Credit. And a Newcastle councillor is urging them to claim the top-up payment known as Pension Credit.
According to figures collated by Stephen Lambert, Labour councillor for Kenton, seven out ten low income older people in the city claim the benefit with three out of ten missing out. In Newcastle 7,594 claim Pension Credit with 75,097 claiming it across the North East region. Nationally a staggering 850,000 eligible pensioners don’t claim partly out of lack of awareness or feel they are not entitled.
Coun Lambert said:
” Many older people of state pension age are simply missing out on these top-up payments and could be losing out about £56 a week. I’m urging more to come forward and apply for Pension Credit which could make a crucial difference in helping people meet their essential needs and avoid falling into poverty.”
Pension credit
The tax-free payment, which for single pensioners tops up a weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60, or £278.70 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, £25 weekly winter fuel payments and the one-off cost of living payment of £650 (up to £900 from April 2023)
Newcastle older residents and their carers can check if they are eligible by using an online calculator provided by the DWP, to fill in their details and find out how much they can claim.
In Kenton older residents can get advice by visiting the fortnightly welfare rights sessions – 9,30 -12,30 Thursday, Kenton Centre or Citizens Advice outreach at the Haven, Halewood Ave every Tuesday morning. Given the need – the West end Search Project will deliver face-to-face advice and help to older residents aged over 50 from January 2023.
For further help city residents can visit or contact the following:
- Newcastle Welfare Rights Public advice line: 277 2627
- Newcastle Citizens Advice 0300 330 0650 (Newcastle Central Library)
