Over 60s - don't miss out on extra cash

Older people are being urged to claim Pension Credit today while they may still be able to benefit from up to a year's backdated lump sum.

Many over 60s are still not claiming benefits they may be entitled to and are missing out on additional help.

Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien said that many older people mistakenly think that owning their own home or having some savings automatically rules them out from getting any Pension Credit to top up their income.

In fact around 2.7million pensioner households are receiving on average around £50 in Pension Credit every week. Pension Credit ensures that no pensioner aged 60 or over need live on less than

£124.05 a week - resulting in extra money for many over-60s.

The Government is working in partnership with Age Concern, Help the Aged and local councils to encourage more people to claim.

Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien said: "It's vital that older people claim money that's rightfully theirs to help with their day-to-day needs.

"Don't delay - if you claim before 6th October you could also get up to a year's backdated Pension Credit.

"Claiming is easy - it can be done over the phone without having to fill in any forms in person. And you may also be able to get help with rent and Council Tax costs at the same time.

"There are a lot of myths surrounding Pension Credit that need to be busted. Don't fall into the trap of assuming that the people around you aren't getting it - every week 2.7 million households benefit from extra cash through Pension Credit.

"Even a few pounds extra per week can make all the difference. Call free on 0800 99 1234 to get the facts."

You can claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit in just one phone call. Being on Pension Credit can also entitle some older people to free additional help with their home heating and insulation through energy efificiency schemes.

Mervyn Kohler, Special Adviser at Help the Aged said: "Pensioner poverty is a real issue which must be tackled urgently - and claiming benefits which belong in older people's pockets is crucial to that. Help the Aged estimates that around £5 billion worth of benefits are left unclaimed each year - that money could make a huge difference to the living standards of pensioners everywhere, many of whom are really struggling with the soaring cost of basics such as food and fuel.

"Claiming Pension Credit before 6th October could lead to those older people who are eligible getting up to a year's back-dated payment.

We strongly urge those older people who haven't yet made a claim to do so."

Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said: "Rising living costs are leaving many pensioners struggling to make ends meet. Yet, millions are missing out on their share of up to £5 billion in Pension Credit and other benefits unclaimed each year, which could make a huge difference to their quality of life. With the rules on backdating of benefits changing in October, we would urge any older person struggling to make ends meet to make a claim now to ensure they don't lose out on cash that's rightfully theirs."

The top five myths about Pension Credit are:

1. I don't think I'll be eligible for Pension Credit Don't rule yourself out. 2.7 million pensioner households already receive Pension Credit. And up to 1.8 million more could be entitled but haven't yet claimed.

2. I'll get so little it's not worth me claiming Even if you only get a little extra each month, receiving Pension Credit may help you get money for other things, such as rent, council tax or towards the cost of keeping your house warm.

3. It's difficult to claim Pension Credit It only takes one free phone call and you won't have to fill in a form. Just call 0800 99 1234.

4. I have some savings so I won't get anything Having some savings or another pension doesn't rule you out - around three quarters of people who get Pension Credit have saved something.

In fact, you are rewarded for trying to put money aside.

5. I own my own home so I won't get anything Owning your own home doesn't rule you out. Nearly half of pensioners who get Pension Credit own their own home.

The DWP is writing to 250,000 people who may be entitled to Pension Credit shortly to encourage them to claim.

Mr O'Brien added: "Don't rule yourself out, call our Pension Credit hotline to get the facts on 0800 99 1234. Friends and family can also help encourage people they know to claim."