Stephen Morgan has said he is committed to ensuring that all Portsmouth pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit apply for it in time to also receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.
Mr Morgan is writing to pensioners in the city to provide advice on applying and other government support available, and encourage them to check their eligibility.
Applications for Pension Credit have gone up by 145% since the government campaign started but many eligible pensioners in Portsmouth are still not claiming the benefit.
Pensioners need to apply for Pension Credit by 21 December to be in time to receive the payment of up to £300. Pension Credit itself is worth £3,900 a year on average and also acts as a gateway to other benefits beyond the Winter Fuel Payment.
This means even just one pound could passport pensioners to extra help including help with Council tax and Housing Benefit.
Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible via the Pension Credit calculator.
And pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible.
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“In 2020 alone, around £1.7 billion of Pension Credit went unclaimed across Britain, with many Portsmouth pensioners missing out on money they’re entitled to.
“I’m pleased to see the government commit to the state pension triple lock which means it will rise by up to £1,900 in the next few years, but I also want to make sure Portsmouth pensioners entitled to more support receive it.
“That’s why I am writing to pensioners across the city to provide advice on government support available and to ensure they check whether they are eligible before the 21 December deadline for the Winter Fuel Payment.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:
“The £22 billion black hole in the public finances we have inherited has required us to take difficult decisions, but I am determined to ensure low-income pensioners are supported.
“That’s why I urge any pensioner, or their loved ones, to check if they could get Pension Credit.
“This government is completely committed to supporting pensioners – with millions also set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through our commitment to the Triple Lock.”
This campaign comes alongside the announcement that millions are set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through the government’s commitment to the triple lock
The government has also made other support available, by delivering the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households from October and extending the Household Support Fund with £421 million, to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families.
