Overview
- Sefton Council has begun sending targeted reminder letters to hundreds of local pensioners identified via the Low Income Family Tracker as likely to be eligible for Pension Credit.
- The outreach comes as DWP figures show nearly 1.4 million people receive Pension Credit while more than 700,000 eligible pensioners are still not claiming.
- Pension Credit tops up income to at least £227.10 a week for single people and £346.60 for couples, with an extra £82.90 a week for those on qualifying disability benefits.
- Unpaid carers may qualify for an additional amount, including where there is an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance, and successful claims can unlock help with Council Tax, NHS dental care, Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences for over‑75s.
- Applications can start up to four months before reaching State Pension age and successful claims can be backdated by up to three months, with phone and online routes available through the Pension Service.