THE pensions minister today urges senior Sun readers to accept extra cash to help them face the cost-of-living  crisis.

Laura Trott fears that around 850,000 squeezed OAPs are missing out on a £1.7billion fund by not signing up for Pension Credit payments.

Pensioners are missing out on extra cash to help with cost of living, the govt fears

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Pensioners are missing out on extra cash to help with cost of living, the govt fearsCredit: Getty

Low-income retirees can get more than £3,500 a year to support everyday costs, and the minister is determined to get as many signed up before December 18, which will entitle each one to an extra £324.

Claimants will also receive support such as council tax discounts, heating cost reductions and free TV licences.

Ms Trott praised people for spreading the word, saying: “We’ve been helped by Sun readers, local charities, companies and even a two-step by Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman.”

TV’s Len made a direct appeal to pensioners in a widely watched YouTube video earlier this year.

And Ms Trott said: “The Government is on the side of pensioners.
“Pension Credit makes a difference. Please help to spread the word.”

Spread word – it’s worth £3.5K a year

By Laura Trott, Minister for Pensions

THIS Christmas it is vital to check whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit, which is there to help pensioners on a low income with daily living costs.

The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,500 a year, and those who apply by December 18 could also qualify for an extra £324 cost-of-living boost to help manage rising bills.

We are protecting pensioners on Pension Credit with an extra £900 next year too.

Even a small Pension Credit award can unlock further support – such as help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills. And for those over 75, this includes a free TV licence.

Around 1.4million pensioners receive Pension Credit. However, many people who could claim it are not – and I want to change this.

Over the next ten days I’m making it my mission to see the number of applications rise.

We’ve been helped by Sun readers, local charities, companies and even a two-step by Strictly Come Dancing’s Len Goodman.

But we know that one of the best ways to reach pensioners is through words from friends and family.

If you think you or a loved one could be eligible – as a rule of thumb if they are over State Pension age and have a weekly income of less than £182.60 as a single person or £278.70 as a couple – check with them and check out our online Pension Credit calculator on gov.uk or call 0800 99 1234

Who is eligible for pension credit?

It is available for people who are over the state pension age, and who live in England, Scotland or Wales.

This is currently rising to 66 for both men and women.

It used to be the case that couples, where one person was over state pension age, could claim, but new rules now mean that both people in a couple must be over retirement age to apply.

Most read in Money

This means if you’re single and move in with a partner who is younger than the state pension age, you will stop being eligible.

But if you’re already receiving pension credit under the old system it won’t stop unless your circumstances change.

To qualify, you’ll need to have a weekly income of less than £182.60 for single people or £278.70 for couples.

Your income is worked out taking into account various elements including:

  • Your state pension
  • Any other pensions you have saved, for instance, workplace or private pension savings
  • Most social security benefits, for example, carer’s allowance
  • Any savings or investments worth over £10,000
  • Earnings from a job

The calculation does not include:

  • Attendance allowance
  • Christmas bonus
  • Disability living allowance
  • Personal independence payment
  • Housing benefit
  • Council tax reduction

If your income is too high to get pension credit, you may still get some savings pension credit, so it’s worth checking.

How do I apply?

You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach state pension age.

Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you’ll need to be with them when they do.

You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:

  • National Insurance number
  • Information about any income, savings and investments you have
  • Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago or the date you reached State Pension age)

If you claim after you reach pension age, you can backdate your claim for up to three months.

How will I be paid?

Your benefits are usually paid into an account, for instance, a bank account.

They’re usually paid every four weeks.

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You’ll be asked for your bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim.

But if you have problems opening or managing an account, you might be able to claim a different way.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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