West Wales Pensioners Urged to Claim Pension Credit

Older people on a low income had until Friday 19 May to put in a claim for pension credit to qualify for the first of three cost-of-living payments to be issued this year. Despite many struggling in the cost-of-living crisis, £200m worth of pension credits go unclaimed in Wales each year, on top of other unclaimed benefits.

Age Cymru Dyfed Chief Executive Simon Wright said,

“While 1.5 million pensioners do claim pension credit in the UK each year, many in West Wales think they’re not eligible when they own a home, have savings, are intimidated by the claims process, or don’t realise the support available to them. 

We encourage them to seek what they are entitled to, especially now that pension credit acts as a passport to additional cost-of-living payments. At Age Cymru Dyfed, we are here to help pensioners gain access to what they are entitled to, with our Information and Advice support service."

This year’s targeted cost of living payment will only be paid to older people in receipt of pension credit. Age Cymru Dyfed have been urging people to put in a claim for this crucial benefit which tops up weekly income of a single pensioner to £201.05, or a pensioner couple to £306.85. It is separate from state pension and comprises guarantee credit and savings credit.

An application for pension credit can be backdated 3 months, and those who began the claim process by Friday 19 May and met eligibility, were also set to receive the first £301 cost-of-living payment. Pension credit triggers a wide range of additional support too, including extra help with energy bills and essential costs:

• one-off payment of £150 through warm home discount scheme 
• cold weather payment of £25, when 0°C or below for 7+ consecutive days
• help with council tax and rent
• reduced water bills
• free NHS dental treatment
• help towards cost of glasses and travel to hospital
• cheaper telephone and home broadband deals 
• an extra pension credit for some carers worth up to £38.85 a week

To make a claim for pension credit, you can call the DWP pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.  It can be claimed by phone and online.

Our friendly team also offers free, confidential support so for help with your claim, so if you need help, get in touch with our Information and Advice team on 03333 447 874 or email reception@agecymrudyfed.org.uk

Our Information and Advice officers working hours are as follows.

• Llanelli Office: Monday-Friday 10 am - 1 pm & 2 pm - 4 pm.
• Haverfordwest Office: Monday-Wednesday 10 am-1 pm.
• Aberystwyth Office: Monday-Wednesday 10 am - 1 pm.