Support during the Cost of Living Crisis

£1.7 billion of available Pension Credit is going unclaimed.

Age UK Wigan Borough, Citizens Advice Wigan Borough and Wigan Council have joined forces to ensure local residents are getting the financial support they are entitled to, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.

According to government statistics, it is estimated that 850,000 eligible households across the UK are not claiming Pension Credit. Pension Credit is worth over £3,500 a year on average and is designed to help with daily living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income. Citizens Advice Wigan Borough and Age UK Wigan Borough have organised multiple pop-up events to spread awareness of the support available for households across the borough during the cost-of-living crisis. These events support Wigan Council’s Here for You campaign which was created in response to the cost-of-living crisis. Lisa Kidston, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Wigan Borough says “With the increasing rise in living costs, we want to make sure that people entitled to Pension Credit, receive what they’re due. Receipt of Guaranteed Pension Credit opens up other support, such as Council Tax Reduction, free TV licences, help with NHS costs, Cold Weather Payments and Warm Home Discounts, so the value can really add up for claimants. This is why we’re encouraging people over state pension age to come and speak to us to find out if they might be entitled.”

Our latest pop up event was at the Wigan Life Centre, where they was joined by the welfare team from Wigan Council who offered hands on advice on benefits and other support available through the Council.