DWP warns 880,000 pensioners must claim £299 cost of living payment before March 5 or miss out
The DWP said about 880,000 eligible UK households can secure an extra £299 if they claim pension credit by March 5.
by Harry Stedman, PA · ChronicleLivePensioners are being told to see if they are eligible for a £299 cost-of-living payment before time runs out next month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says there are about 880,000 UK households that could get an extra £299 if they apply for pension credit by 5 March.
Pension Credit gives more than £3,900 a year on average to help older people with low incomes pay for everyday things. It makes sure single pensioners have at least £201.05 a week and couples have £306.85, and there's more money for those who are disabled or look after someone.
Right now, about 1.4 million pensioners in the UK get pension credit. In April, the state pension is going up by 8.5%, which means the full new state pension will be £221.20 a week. Last July, the DWP sent letters to 2,000 people to ask them to sign up for pension credit.
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Paul Maynard, the Minister for Pensions, said: "We are committed to ensuring every pensioner receives the financial support available to them. Anyone who is unsure whether they or a loved one is entitled to pension credit should quickly check using our online pension credit calculator it's never been easier.
"Not only could this secure an extra £3,900 every year and unlock a whole host of other support, if successfully claimed by 5 March a further £299 Cost of Living boost is up for grabs."
You can claim for pension credit by visiting https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or by calling 0800 99 1234.
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