- Bedford & Kempston Conservative Association has welcomed a new campaign from the Conservative Government to boost the take up of Pension Credit, giving more vulnerable pensioners across Bedford & Kempston the support they need.
- There are already around 2081 claimants in Bedford & Kempston, but more people are eligible for an average of £3,500 a year in extra support and eligible pensioners could also a receive a backdated £324 Cost of Living Payment if they apply by 18 December.
- Nationwide, the Conservative Government has driven up Pension Credit claims and now wants to reach all those people who could still benefit but have not yet applied.
Bedford & Kempston Conservative Association has welcomed a new campaign from the Conservative Government to boost the take-up of Pension Credit as part of wider support with the cost of living.
The Conservative Government is calling on pensioners across the country to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit as soon as possible to ensure they stand the best chance of qualifying for an extra £324 cost of living payment.
There are already 2081 claimants of Pension Credit in Bedford & Kempston but around a quarter of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.
Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,500. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, this can help pensioners access other support such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
Checking eligibility and applying by 18 December – just ten days away – will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.
Pension Credit can be claimed online or over the phone. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
