Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

Published Wednesday, 9th October 2024

Council officials in Hartlepool have joined forces with the town’s MP Jonathan Brash to encourage eligible pensioners to take up their Pension Credit entitlement.

They have launched a joint promotional campaign amidst fears that many are missing out on the benefit worth on average £3,900 a year.

In addition, qualifying pensioners who take up their entitlement will, from this winter, automatically receive the annual Winter Fuel Payment from the Government.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We want to encourage as many pensioners as possible to receive what they are due, but for this to be the case they must apply for Pension Credit.

“That is why we are writing to pensioners who, according to our records, are currently in receipt of Housing Benefit and/or Local Council Tax Support and may be entitled to claim Pension Credit.”

Jonathan Brash MP said: “Around a third of pensioners entitled to Pension Credit don’t claim it and this must change. There is support there and I’m pleased to be working with our fantastic Council to ensure that every pensioner entitled to Pension Credit, and the other support that brings, receives it. I’ll be holding drop-in sessions with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and I’d urge anyone who wants help applying for Pension Credit to come along.” 

The drop-in sessions will take place at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Park Road on Friday 11th October, Friday 25th October, Friday 8th November, Friday 22nd November, Friday 6th December and Friday 20th December. Each session will take place from 9am-11am and there is no need to book an appointment.

Pension Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions and not by Hartlepool Borough Council and the authority is not able to make a claim on someone’s behalf.  Claims for Pension Credit can be made online  at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim

Pensioners need to be entitled to Pension Credit for at least one day in the week from September 16th to 22nd 2024 to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this winter. The last date for backdating a claim for Pension Credit to 22 September 2024 is 21st December 2024, assuming the claimant has met the Pension Credit entitlement conditions throughout the previous three months.

Further information is available by calling the Pension Service helpline on 0800 99 1234.