Pension Credit - are you missing out on what you deserve?

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you're over State Pension age and on a low income. 

The Department for Work and Pensions estimate up to one million households may be entitled to Pension Credit, but do not claim it. 

As we continue to feel the squeeze with the ongoing cost of living crisis, we wanted to explore the reasons that may stop people from claiming Pension Credit in Sunderland and try to encourage Ageing Well residents to consider if they could be eligible to make a claim.  

Eileen Bewick, who is an Advice Worker and Ageing Well Ambassador, provides advice work to residents in Coalfields, Washington, and Sunderland North.

Eileen said: "We provide advice and support to residents in the city to help maximise their income and improve their financial wellbeing. 

"We deal with residents over the age of 18 and carry out range of work including full benefits checks, complete forms, support customers to manage fuel poverty and provide housing advice. 

"We deal with a lot of residents who are struggling to balance the books due to the rising cost of living but can be too proud to consider looking into what financial support they may be entitled too.  

"Working out in the community and holding advice sessions in community centres and warm spaces helps to build a good rapport, break down barriers and encourages residents to open up and discuss their own personal circumstances.

"I worked with one resident who had recently retired and was worried about his pension and retirement income and wasn't sure how he could continue to keep up with his bills.  After working with him, I carried out a full benefit check, we confirmed he was eligible for Pension Credit and Savings Credit, Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit. 

"As he had some savings, he didn't think he would be entitled to anything at all.  He was unaware of the extra support he could receive due to being eligible for Pension Credit and was over to the moon when I explained that because he could claim Pension Credit, he could also receive further help with housing rent and Council Tax, NHS services and help with his heating costs.  

"Some people may only be eligible to claim a couple of pounds in Pension Credit so feel it's not worth claiming, but you really need to think of the bigger picture as Pension Credit opens the door to a lot of further support."

The quickest and easiest way to check if you are eligible for Pension Credit is to visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234.

If you need further advice and support, click here to find out details of your local advice provider.