Over £5.6 million of pension credit is unclaimed in the Rochdale borough

Have you claimed your pension credit?

It is estimated that over £5.6 million of pension credit is currently unclaimed in our borough.

Pension credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300 per year.

As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, it is a passport to a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

Around 25% of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.

Chris Clarkson MP has welcomed a new campaign from the Conservative government to boost the take up of pension credit in Heywood and Middleton giving more people the security of savings in later life

Commenting, Mr Clarkson said: “It is great news that 2,767 pensioners in Heywood and Middleton already claim pension credit, but it is important for everyone else in our area to claim all the help they are entitled to.

“That is why the Conservative government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.

“This will ensure that eligible pensioners know what support is available and will help people prepare and save for later life.”

Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, added: “The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.”

“That’s why I’ve written to local newspapers across the country and produced leaflets for 11 million pensioners to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”

Pension credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.